PIERRE, (KCCR) — The news the utility rates in Pierre would be going up five-percent sounded the sirens on social media of frustration. The first reading of three rate change ordinances by the Pierre City Commission brought a wave of questions that Utilities Director Brad Palmer attempted to clarify last week…
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And those rates didn’t come fully to fruition…
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Palmer says part of the reason for the increase in electric is because it’s going to get more expensive for the city to buy electricity to serve the city….
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Other reasons for the increases include electrical improvements, new water metering technology and water water improvements. The new rates become effective in January of next year.