A proposed settlement of an Otter Tail Power electric rate case includes almost $865,000 in refunds to North Dakota customers. North Dakota's Public Service Commission may approve the settlement Wednesday, although Commissioner Tony Clark says regulators still have questions about a proposed economic development fund.
Otter Tail applied last November for a 5.1 percent electric rate increase. In January the utility implemented a 4.1 percent increase while the case was pending. The proposed settlement gives Otter Tail a 3 percent rate rise. It says the utility has to pay back the higher rates that it's been charging, plus interest. The possible refund adds up to almost $865,000.
Otter Tail has almost 59,000 North Dakota electric customers. It serves Wahpeton, Jamestown, Devils Lake and other cities.
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