The Pella City Council approved an increase in electric rates at their meeting this week.
The three percent increase for City of Pella electric customers will go into effect for usage in March, and will first show up on the bill due April 20th. According to the city’s electric department, the increase will equate to an additional $2.64 a month, or roughly $32 per year for the average customer. City Administrator Mike Nardini says it’s never a popular decision to bump up electric rates, but it’s necessary to help cover a cost of service increase from Missouri River Energy Services. Nardini adds the city is covering half of the $1.8 million charges to the utility.