Minnesota Power to seek rate hike

Minnesota Power says it will seek to increase its electric rates next year.

Company representatives have not said how much of an increase they will seek.

Minnesota Power says it needs the money to make its generating units more environmentally friendly and for more investments in renewable energy.

The company, which serves northeastern Minnesota, last raised its rates in May 2008. Final rates from that increase will kick in at the end of this year.

It must file a request with the state Public Utilities Commission by the end of this year.

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