Wisconsin regulators approve electric rate hike (9:21 a.m. 12/4/09)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Electric customers in Dane County will have to pay more.

Madison Gas & Electric had asked the state Public Service Commission for permission to raise electric rates by about $17 million. The commission has approved a $12 million increase. That translates to about $2.25 more per month for the average residential customer.

The commission, however, reduced MG&E’s natural gas rates by about $1.5 million, amounting to about 50 cents less per month for average residential customers.