Consumer Advocate says state regulators should lower MidAmerican electric rates

The state’s consumer advocate is asking for a reduction in MidAmerican Energy electric rates. Consumer advocate Gary Stewart says MidAmerican’s natural gas prices are in line with supply and demand, but its electric rates should be reduced. MidAmerican announced on Monday it was reaping excess profits, and would give customers a refund in their next utility bill. Stewart says it’s time for state regulators to step in and reduce rates as a result. Stewart says MidAmerican’s been making a lot of money selling electricity it generates to utility companies in southern states that couldn’t afford to buy natural gas to generate their own electricity.