PSC Staff Cool To Aquila’s Large Rate Increase Request

The Public Service Commission staff says the Aquila Energy Company should get only about 12 percent of the rate increase it wants. The Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility rate cases, says it will make a similar recommendaiton. Aquila is based in Kansas City. It has suffered major financial problems in the last couple of years and has been counting on approval of its new rates for about 85 percent of the new income the company hopes to raise. The PSC will hold a rate hearing in February.