Harlan utilities to conduct rate study

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to pay $25,000 for a rate study of their three main utilities.
    A proposal from Dave Berg Consulting of Minneapolis, MN would perform electric, natural gas and water cost-of-service and rate design studies for HMU.  It would be a retail rate analysis and design study beginning July 1, 2016 and thus falling in next year’s fiscal budget.
    The firm would use projected sales to present a five-year forecast of HMU’s electric, natural gas and water operating results based on HMU’s existing retail rates.   It would also include funding for expected capital improvements during the study period and an analysis of the resulting impact on HMU’s reserve fund levels.
    The consulting firm says it will provide an important indication of HMU’s fiscal health, and the need, if any, for additional revenues (rate increases).