NLI announces rate increase

SANDPOINT — Increased wholesale power costs from the Bonner Power Administration add up to a rate increase for Northern Lights customers.

After six year of maintaining stable electric rates, NLI board members voted to increase rates by an average of 2.5 percent, effective with the billing after Dec. 20, 2009. BPA raised its wholesale power rates by about 7 percent, effective Oct. 1, 2009.

In a press release, NLI officials said for residential, seasonal and small commercial users, the monthly basic charge is unchanged at $25.

The energy charge for the first 1,250 kilowatt hours of usage will increase by $0.0022 per kilowatt hour. Usage above 1250 kilowatt hours will increase by $0.0027 per kilowatt-hour.

Although the exact percentage increase depends on electric usage, officials said the monthly bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours will increase by $2.20 per month.

The board and management are deeply concerned about the impacts of rising expenses including wholesale power costs for members, said NLI communications director Elissa Glassman.

“We will continue to manage our resources in the best interests of our members,” she added.

NLI is asking member to continue conservin energy where possible, Glassman said.

For energy and conservation tips, visit NLI’s Web site at www.nli.coop.