![Judge Recommends Limiting Xcel Energy Rate Hike](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/07/electric-meter-300x200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Judge Recommends Limiting Xcel Energy Rate Hike
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - An administrative law judge says Xcel Energy's proposed electricity rate hike should be held to 4.7 percent.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Xcel said Monday that last week's recommendations by Administrative Law Judge Jeanne Cochran would amount to a $127 million rate increase.
Xcel is asking the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a 7.8 percent, increase, totaling $209 million, to pay for power plant upgrades.
The state Department of Commerce has recommended a 3.7 percent increase, saying the utility should cut bonuses and other perks for executives.
Xcel's 1.2 million electric customers in Minnesota have been paying an interim increase of about 9 percent since Jan. 1, but likely will get refunds plus interest after the PUC issues a final ruling, which is expected in September.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MSP Ranked Top U.S. Airport in 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-MAC_MSP-Airport_Terminal-1_Delta_6x4_200.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Riding High: Amtrak Borealis Trains Impress In First Month](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-AmtrakBorealis-AmtrakHandoutPhoto.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![90s Possible in Minnesota this Weekend](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)