North Dakota regulators are preparing to review a proposed Xcel Energy electric rate increase that would cost a typical residential customer an extra $91 annually.

The Public Service Commission said Friday it will hire a consultant to help review the proposed 14 percent rate increase, which would boost Xcel's electric revenues by $20.5 million a year.

Susan Wefald, the commission's president, said the rate rise also would affect Xcel's commercial and industrial customers.

"I would anticipate there would be interest in this case," Wefald said. "The increases are substantial."

Xcel Energy has about 87,000 North Dakota electric customers, most of whom are in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot.

Xcel is eligible to begin collecting most of its proposed rate increase beginning Feb. 5, under a state law that allows utilities to impose interim increases after they have filed a formal request to increase their rates.

The proposed interim rate increase is 11.5 percent. A residential ratepayer who uses 750 kilowatt-hours of power monthly, which the utility describes as a typical customer, would pay an extra $86 annually.

- Associated Press