Power rate increases could soon be on the way for some North Dakotans

Image by Otter Tail Power Company
Image by Otter Tail Power Company

(Fargo, ND) -- Electrical rates could soon be going up for some North Dakotans. 

"Otter Tail Power is basically a monopoly and so in order for us to increase our rates we have to go in and request permission from the Public Service Commission," said Jess Fyhrie, Regulatory Proceedings Manager for Otter Tail Power Company.

She says the company has filed a rate review request with the North Dakota Public Service Commission. 

Otter Tail is asking the PSC for an overall rate increase of 8.43 percent. 

Fyhrie the increase is needed to respond to the utility's rising costs of doing business. 

The company last filed for a base rate increase in the state in 2017. 

Otter Tail provides power to people living in areas including Devils Lake, Jamestown, Wahpeton and Rugby.