Alliant Energy customers still dizzy from increased natural gas costs are now looking at a boost in electrical charges.

Wednesday, January 31, 2001

Alliant Energy customers still dizzy from increased natural gas costs are now looking at a boost in electrical charges. The increase, which will show up as a few extra dollars on this month’s bill, could rise as high as 10 percent in the next year.

&uot;In the next month or so, it will be a very modest increase,&uot; said Alliant Energy Communications Manager John Ruff.

The increase is directly related to this winter’s high natural gas prices, he said. Natural gas is used to generate the majority of energy in peak periods.

&uot;If we can drop the natural gas prices it’s going to help keep down the electrical costs,&uot; he said. &uot;But, like everything else, it gets more expensive with time.&uot;

Customers should be aware of the projected increase, and take steps to make their homes more energy efficient, said Alliant Energy President Elliot Protsch.

&uot;We don’t like to be the bearer of bad news, but we believe our customers deserve an accurate picture of our current energy situation,&uot; he said.

&uot;It will benefit us to use energy wisely, and look for long-term solutions to higher energy costs,&uot; he said.