Bismarck, N.D. (Prairie Public) – Xcel Energy natural gas customers in North Dakota will see an increase in their monthly bills starting in July.  That’s a “pass-through” cost of the natural gas, brought on by the cold snap in Texas, which caused price spikes.

The impact to the consumer is about $200, spread out over 15 months. That was the compromise reached by the North Dakota Public Service Commission, after a “work session” on the issue.  The charge will be in effect through September, 2022. The PSC still has to formally approve the plan. And the Commission will hold a special meeting on it next week.

MDU started collecting the cost in June. MDU Spokesman Mark Hanson says the average MDU customer is seeing a $3.87 per month charge on the bill through December, and from January through September, that will go up to $4.48 per month.

This is ND Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus: