An electric transmission substation operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities in Bismarck on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – A North Dakota group is seeking to advocate for consumers who are facing a utility rate increase.
AARP North Dakota has formally intervened in the rate case filed by Montana-Dakota Utilities.
The rate increase needs the approval of the three-person Public Service Commission.
The company filed for an overall rate increase of 14.5% on June 30. If the full increase is approved, it would increase the monthly electricity bill for an average residential customer by about $19.10.
If approved, MDU revenues would increase by $34.5 million annually, mostly from residential and large general service customers.
Rates for large general service customers would increase by 11.1% and 18.9% for residential customers, according to MDU’s application.
AARP said that if approved, residential customers would pay a disproportionate share of the rate increase.
“This fixed rate increase means residential customers can’t adjust their electrical usage to manage the increase,” Janelle Moos, advocacy director at AARP North Dakota, said in a news release. “When you are on a fixed income, and the prices for groceries, gas and rent keep rising, an increase in utility rates becomes a true hardship.”
The commission has approved an interim rate increase of 12.3%, or about $12.90 per month for an average residential customer. It has yet to schedule public hearings in the case.
MDU says the rate increase is needed to cover capital expenses, such as infrastructure improvements, and increased operating costs.
MDU officials say the rate increase is not tied to data center projects.
The company last requested a rate increase in 2022.
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