Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Public Utilities Board has approved higher electric and water rates for next year. The Rochester City Council will take up the proposed rate hikes at its’ December 3rd meeting, and if approved, the increases would take effect January 1st.

The resolution approved at today’s RPU Board meeting calls for a 1.9-percent electric rate increase. Estimates provided by RPU indicate the rate hike would add a little over a $1 dollar to just under $3 dollars to the average residential customers’ bill depending on usage.

The RPU Board also approved another 6-percent increase in water rates. It was the third straight year the rate has been hiked by 6-percent and the budget projections presented to the RPU Board indicate similar increases will be needed for the next several years. It’s estimated the change will add a little over 75-cents to the average residential customer’s bill.

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