PSO Wants To Raise Rates

PSO customers might be in for a case of electric shock. Just a few weeks after their bills went up because of a fuel charge, The News On 6's Steve Berg reports the company is now asking the corporation commission for a base rate increase.

PSO divides its increases into two categories. One is what's called a fuel cost adjustment. Last month, PSO had one to cover its natural gas expenses. The other type of increase is called a "base rate" increase, which basically covers everything else.

PSO is asking for $132 million. Residents would pay about 11% more per month.

Tonya Temple says her electric bill is typically $120 a month which puts her right about average. She's paying about $17 more per month for the fuel cost adjustment and she'll pay around $13 more per month if the base rate increase is approved.

"I could be looking at $150 a month bills instead of $120 a month bills.  Well that's exciting," said Temple.

PSO says the rate hike is needed to pay for hundreds of millions of dollars of new electric facilities in recent years and for the growing cost of operations and maintenance. A prime example they say is fuel costs for their trucks.

One bit of good news for customers, the increase wouldn't take effect until next year.