August 24, 2023 |
Photo – Rocky Mountain Power Logo – Courtesy Rocky Mountain Power
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Grey announced his official opposition Thursday to the two proposed rate increases that Rocky Mountain Power is seeking from state authorities.
The electric power company is seeking a General Rate Increase of $140.2 million per year. The utility is also seeking an Energy Cost Adjustment Mechanism of $50.3 million.
Secretary of State Gray opposes the increase as bad for Wyoming’s citizens, as well as small businesses. Gray said the proposed rate increase is also troubling because of Rocky Mountain Power’s move away from Wyoming coal toward renewable energy. RMP transitioning from coal to a string of wind turbines across the state, including here in Carbon County.
Secretary Gray wrote that the effect of the rate increase on Wyoming residential customers would be catastrophic. Grey said residents would be hit with a double whammy. The increase would amplify I,nflation impacts already crippling residents, increasing the costs of goods across the board and directly through big monthly increases in energy bills.
Grey said the proposed rate increase will force Wyomingites to foot the bill for federal and coast state energy policies that exist to prop up so-called green energy as opposed to reducing rates for customers.
Earlier this week, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has asked the Public Service Commission to hold additional public meetings on Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed power rate increase on state residents.
Governor Gordon encourages members of the public concerned about the potential rate increase to submit their comments to the PSC.
“This proposal is notable for the people of Wyoming,” the governor said, noting that he supports the effort to make sure as much public comments are heard of any decision.
