CASPER, Wyo. — The upcoming Casper City Council work session on Aug. 22 is set to discuss a crucial issue for Casper: the Rocky Mountain Power rate increase application.
During this meeting, councilors will be considering the course of action to be taken regarding the requested rate increase by RMP, which seeks to raise its retail electricity rates by approximately $140.2 million per year, equivalent to a 21.6% increase, according to the staff memo prepared for the City Council
Rocky Mountain Power’s application was submitted to the Wyoming Public Service Commission around Mar. 1. As the provider of electricity to all retail customers within Casper, this rate increase application holds significant implications for the city, its residents, and its businesses.
Several notable entities, including the Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate, the Wyoming Industrial Energy Consumers, the Sierra Club, Walmart and Cale Case, have formally intervened in this rate case.
The rate increase matter is slated for a contested case hearing scheduled on Oct. 24. While the window for formal intervention in this issue has closed, an opportunity remains for the city to voice its concerns.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing on Aug. 24 at the Thyra Thomson State Office Building, 444 W. Collins Drive, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
As the situation unfolds, the City Council is determining the direction of the comments that will be submitted to the Public Service Commission. The council’s recommendations and decisions regarding the comments and their designated deliverer will shape the city’s stance on this matter.
Due to ongoing and extensive renovations at City Hall, the City Council will meet in The Lyric, 230 W. Yellowstone Highway, at 4:30 p.m. The session is open to the public. Residents can also watch a livestream of the work session on the City of Casper YouTube channel.
