The Wyoming Public Service Commission has just finished up public hearings this week in Cheyenne over a proposed rate hike for Montana Dakota Utilities.  MDU provides service to nearly 15-thousand customers in Sheridan and much of northeastern Wyoming. 

The utility company is asking for a 25 percent rate hike it charges its customers.  The company says the rate increase is to help recover its investment in the new Wygen III power plant near Gillette.

Bill Bensel with the Powder River Basin Resource Council was in Cheyenne this week.  He tells affiliate KROE, the commission is doing what he says is a good job in reviewing MDU’s request…(Click to hear comment from Bill Belsel)

The Public Service Commission ruling on the rate hike request is expected in the next few weeks.