AEL&P defends rate increase

AEL&P officials face the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Photo courtesy of Grace Salazar.

A 20 percent increase in Juneau electricity rates is not uncommon or unreasonable. That was the essence of A-E-L & P officials’ testimony Tuesday (July 6) before state regulators.

Alaska Electric Light and Power has asked regulators to approve the rate hike on an interim basis while it waits for a decision on a 24 percent permanent increase.

The commission last month denied the interim rate and told the company to defend it at the Anchorage hearing, which was teleconferenced to Juneau.