Jo Co Comm Issues Letter Opposing Rocky Mt. Power Rate Increase

The Johnson County Commission has issued a letter and sent it to the Wyoming Public Service Commission (WPSC) opposing the proposed electric rate increase by Rocky Mountain Power (RMP).

According to the WPSC website, RMP is proposing an increase of Approximately $140.2 million per year, or 21.6 %, and to revise the energy cost mechanism.

In the letter from the county commission, they say the rate increase is “ludicrous” and “not based on market conditions or RMP’s investments in Wyoming’s power delivery infrastructure, but a board room decision to subsidize bad corporate decisions masquerading as environmental activism.”

The letter also cites RMP’s decision in 2015 to drop the payment for hydroelectric power from the city’s Tie Hack Reservoir Dam from 13.5 cents per k/wh to 2 cents per k/wh, while not giving Johnson County residents a corresponding rate decrease.

The added that the rate increase would adversely affect Johnson County residents on fixed incomes.

Manufacturers and other businesses would not be able to afford the rate increase, as well as residential customers.

They asked the WPSC to reject the proposed rate increase and to examine the current rate structure for the company.

To make a comment before the public hearing that begins on Wednesday, October 25, click here: wpsc_comments@wyo.gov. Please reference Docket No. 20000-633-ER-23 or Record No. 1725