Xcel Seeks $141.9M Hike In Colorado Electricity Rates

DENVER (AP) - Xcel Energy Inc. is asking Colorado regulators to approve a $141.9 million increase in electricity rates to help it cover costs for items ranging from higher taxes to cutting down beetle-infested trees that could fall on its power lines.

Xcel spokesman Mark Stutz says the request filed Tuesday would raise monthly electricity bills for typical residential customers by $4.01, or about 6 percent.

The utility wants the new rates to take effect Dec. 23, but the Colorado Public Utilities Commission could defer that so it can hold public hearings first.

Xcel plans to request that $100 million of the increase take effect in January on an interim basis, while regulators consider the full request.

The utility recently sought to reduce a separate rider on customers' bills by $29.2 million.

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