A Million Nebraskans Could See Electric Rates Increase

By: Kim Eiten - Email

Updated: Mon 3:36 PM, Sep 24, 2012

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A possible bump on electric bills means residents across the state could soon be paying more to keep the lights on.

It's no small increase. A million Nebraska Public Power District customers in Nebraska could end up paying almost $50 dollars more a year for the same electric service they receive now.

NPPD said it's a somewhat standard move.

For customers like Annette Blance, standard doesn't ease the financial burden.

"It will affect us greatly," she said.

Blanco said the costs are already high.

"We already pay an outstanding amount for electricity," she said.

And, she said, adding to those bills will hurt her pocketbook.

"Who knows where our money is going to come from," Blanco said. "It's not fair."

It's something especially problematic for individuals already on a tight budget.

Blanco said she's out of work, getting aid and doesn't have extra cash to cover an increase.

"I just think it's not right, and it's not fair to us on fixed incomes," she said.

But, NPPD spokesperson Mark Becker said the company isn't forgetting about customers like Blanco.

He said they actually made cutbacks to curb the amount of the increase.

"Just this year, we eliminated $10 million out of our budget this year and delayed some work in anticipation of lowering any kind of rate increase," Becker said.

In spite of that, Becker said the bump is necessary to pay for things like increased security measures and keeping plants in compliance.

And, Becker said, the increase is just helping cover those costs.

"We operate our budgets to what it costs us to operate our facility," he said.

He said in the past, that has meant jumps of as much as nine dollars.

This time, it will likely run in the three to four dollar range depending on usage.

"We provide low cost, reliable electricity to our customers throughout the state of Nebraska," Becker said.

He said no decisions have been made. That falls on the NPPD Board of Directors.

It's up for discussion in November and, if there is an increase, it will go into effect this January.