AG Wants Minnesota Power Rate Increase Request Spiked

The Minnesota attorney general's office on Wednesday asked the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reject Minnesota Power's $81 million rate increase request.

In a filing with the PUC, the AG's office noted Minnesota Power requested the new hike on Nov. 2, just one day after the PUC granted the utility a $20.4 million rate increase.

"What's unusual about this is that this company essentially turned around before the ink was even dry on their last rate increase, then filed for another increase for $81 million," said Ben Wogsland, a spokesman for the attorney general's office. "The argument we're making is that they have not made the case that they need the rate increase."

The AG's office is also encouraging citizens in Minnesota Power's coverage area to attend hearings about the rate request.

They are being held April 13 in Eveleth, April 14 in Duluth, April 21 in Grand Rapids and April 22 in Little Falls.