Bill could raise rates on families and small businesses

Published March 16, 2017 A bill being heard today in the Senate energy and utilities committee would result in longer and more expensive utility regulatory processes, and would raise energy rates on residential and small business customers. SF 1177/HF 1309 would require economic growth and job retention and growth be considered during the utility ratemaking process. These priorities, of course, should be a part of ratemaking -- and already are considered in the current processes. However, this bill will prioritize low costs for large businesses, without considering the effects of the corresponding rate hikes on residential and small business customers. CUB sent the below letter to the bills' authors and the Senate committee expressing our concerns.