Utilities Board gives Alliant lower natural gas rate than requested

The Iowa Utilities Board approved a natural gas rate increase Tuesday for Alliant Energy that was below what the company had requested. Board spokesman Rob Hillesland says the board granted a four-point-eight percent increase in what the company can charge for delivering natural gas. He says the company had requested a seven-point-two percent increase, or 20 million dollars annually. The company had been allowed a six-point-one percent temporary increase while the Utilities Board considered the permanent rate request, so Hillesland says customers will get a rebate. He says the company will be required to file a proposed refund plan in the next couple of weeks. Hillesland says the Board also moved to make the rates equal in all parts of the state. He says the move will equalize the rates without increasing the rates too much for any area. For more information on the rate action, surf to www.state.ia.us/iub.