Governor Gordon Wants Public Comment on Rate Hikes in Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon has asked for more public input opportunities as Rocky Mountain Power is set to increase rates by a historic 29 percent. RMP is the largest utility in Wyoming and has asked the Wyoming Public Service Commission to grant them two significant rate hikes for Wyoming customers. 

To read about the rate hikes, the amounts, and why RMP is requesting them, see the story here. 

Governor Gordon acknowledges the impact the rate hikes will have on thousands of Wyoming residents and businesses. He encourages people concerned about the rate increases to contact the PSC.

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“This proposal is notable for the people of Wyoming, and I support the effort to make sure there is as much public engagement as possible ahead of any decision. I applaud the PSC for adding even more public meetings to its schedule in impacted communities,” he said. 

The PSC told Gordon it plans to hold additional hearings for public comment over the next few weeks. Four opportunities for the public to present arguments or comments about the rate hike are scheduled or will be scheduled. One was held in July in Rock Springs.

The next opportunity will be Thursday, Aug. 24 at 5:30 in Casper. Participants can also attend and comment via video link. For specific hearing information, location, and the video link,  read PSC’s public notice here. 

Gordon’s Office said the PSC plans to schedule additional public comment hearings in Laramie and Fremont County in the near future. The last opportunity will be during the final rate hearing that begins on Oct. 25. 

The PSC is an independent agency and is not under the control of the Governor’s Office. 

“However, Governor Gordon is confident the Commission will conduct its due diligence and will make a determination in accordance with its statutory duty, which requires that increased costs to RMP be balanced with the best interests of RMP’s Wyoming consumers,” Gordon’s Office said. 

The PSC will make a determination concerning RMP’s rate hike request by the end of the year.