Rocky Mountain Power has taken the next step to appeal the Public Service Commission rate decision made in April. Originally, Rocky Mountain Power requested a rate increase of 30.5%, prompting major outcry from Utah leaders and citizens. Last August, Rocky Mountain Power amended the request to an 18.1% increase which was still unprecedented. State leaders promised to fight that increase as well, arguing that Utah should not be on the hook for costs accrued in other states. The Public Service Commission of Utah responded to the August request for the 18.1% increase in its decision issued on April 25th, approving a 4.7% rate increase which is about a quarter of the amended request. It was announced this month that Rocky Mountain Power submitted a request for review to the Utah Public Service Commission. Chris Parker, director for the Utah Division of Public Utilities, spoke with KUTV about the process. Parker explained that when the Commission makes a final decision on the request for review, it will start the clock on the company’s ability to appeal to the appellate courts. Rocky Mountain Power did indicate their plan to appeal following a Utah Legislature Interim Public Utilities hearing during which the chairman of the Public Service Commission explained why Rocky Mountain Power’s request had been denied.
