Rocky Mountain Power Says 8.8% Rate Hike Request Not Because Of Data Centers

Rocky Mountain Power has filed two regulatory requests with Wyoming regulators: an 8.8% general rate increase to take effect in 2027, and an annual energy cost adjustment that will result in an average 6% decrease in customer bills starting July 1, 2025. Cumulatively, the utility states this would lead to a net customer bill increase of approximately 2.8% for Wyoming customers, with residential customers seeing a 3.9% net increase. David Eskelsen, a spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, clarified that the rate hike, which is the third request in three years, is not linked to the substantial data center buildout in Wyoming. He emphasized that Wyoming consumers are protected by a 'large load tariff,' which mandates that data center developers cover 100% of the associated infrastructure costs, thereby preventing rate hikes for existing residents. The company maintains that its cost to provide service has increased, necessitating the general rate request to maintain and upgrade its electrical system. The proposed $70.5 million increase is driven by capital investments in electrical infrastructure and operational costs. The Wyoming Public Service Commission will conduct a 10-month public review process for the request. The company also noted that the sale of its Washington state assets would offset part of the proposed increase. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain Power has announced a scaling back of renewable energy plans in Wyoming, focusing more on fossil fuels, a shift from previous expansion efforts.