MidAmerican Energy customers could soon see higher monthly bills as the company seeks a 5% increase in gas delivery fees.For the average customer, the company says that would mean paying an extra $2.89 a month. Temporary rates are set to take effect Friday, but the increase still needs approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission.MidAmerican says the request is tied to rising labor, maintenance and construction costs. Company spokesman Geoff Greenwood said the increase is needed to help maintain their systems and keep them safe and reliable.“We understand that’s an increase nobody appreciates, but we think it’s a reasonable request,” Greenwood said. “We are trying to make sure that we reduce the risk, that we maximize the safety of our system and that we continue to provide reliable services to our customers.”MidAmerican says the money would help pay for several initiatives including replacing and inspecting gas lines before problems occur, completing 24 miles of transmission pipeline integrity work and replacing low-pressure gas mains.“We are trying very very hard to control costs. The fact of the matter is that costs have gone up to do business. Costs have gone up for us to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure,” Greenwood said.The increased rate will go into effect on Friday, July 17.The Iowa Utilities Commission can approve, reject or adjust the proposal. If it rejects or changes the rate, customers would be refunded with interest.Public meetings on the proposal are scheduled, including one in Des Moines on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive.
MidAmerican Energy customers could soon see higher monthly bills as the company seeks a 5% increase in gas delivery fees.
For the average customer, the company says that would mean paying an extra $2.89 a month. Temporary rates are set to take effect Friday, but the increase still needs approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission.
MidAmerican says the request is tied to rising labor, maintenance and construction costs. Company spokesman Geoff Greenwood said the increase is needed to help maintain their systems and keep them safe and reliable.
“We understand that’s an increase nobody appreciates, but we think it’s a reasonable request,” Greenwood said. “We are trying to make sure that we reduce the risk, that we maximize the safety of our system and that we continue to provide reliable services to our customers.”
MidAmerican says the money would help pay for several initiatives including replacing and inspecting gas lines before problems occur, completing 24 miles of transmission pipeline integrity work and replacing low-pressure gas mains.
“We are trying very very hard to control costs. The fact of the matter is that costs have gone up to do business. Costs have gone up for us to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure,” Greenwood said.
The increased rate will go into effect on Friday, July 17.
The Iowa Utilities Commission can approve, reject or adjust the proposal. If it rejects or changes the rate, customers would be refunded with interest.
Public meetings on the proposal are scheduled, including one in Des Moines on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Fleur Drive.