The ever-increasing cost of electricity can squeeze Wyomingites’ monthly budgets, but Rocky Mountain Power says ongoing rate hikes are necessary.

The company, which serves about 144,000 customers in Wyoming, will host a series of workshops to explain its newest proposed electric rate hikes in the state and take questions from customers.

The company — a division of Warren Buffet’s PacifiCorp — recently filed requests to the Wyoming Public Service Commission for a combined 16.5% increase, or a total of $116.3 million.

“We understand that a price increase is never welcome news, so we want to meet with customers to answer their questions and share with them the financial conditions our company is facing that are driving recent price increases,” Rocky Mountain Power Vice President for Wyoming Sharon Fain said in a statement.

Rocky Mountain Power in April filed for a 12.3% rate increase that — if approved — would tap Wyoming customers for a one-time $86.4 million, mostly due to higher-than-expected fuel costs in 2023, according to the utility. If Wyoming regulators approve the full amount, the company’s typical residential customer will experience a 9.3% increase, or about $12 more to their monthly bill, beginning July 1 and lasting for 12 months, the company said.

In another request filed in April, Rocky Mountain Power seeks permission to cancel a ratepayer credit derived from the then-President Donald Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act because it is set to expire, resulting in another 4.2% hike, or about $29.9 million.

The company is also expected to file another request to increase its general rate for Wyoming customers.

The Wyoming Public Service Commission approved an 8.3% general rate increase for the company last year, and allowed the company to tap ratepayers for a one-time fuel cost adjustment.

Workshops

• Wednesday, May 15, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. in Rawlins, EconoLodge, 1801 E. Cedar St.

• Thursday, May 16, 4–7 p.m. in Riverton, Holiday Inn Riverton, 900 E. Sunset Blvd.

• Friday, May 17, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. in Rock Springs, Sweetwater Events Complex, Pronghorn Room, 3320 Yellowstone Rd.

• May 28, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. in Cody, Holiday Inn Cody-at Buffalo Bill Village, 1701 Sheridan Ave.

Company officials will discuss what’s driving higher utility costs and provide information about state and federal payment assistance programs.

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