Alliant Energy customers in Albert Lea are just a few steps away from receiving a refund from the recent rate case, according to an Alliant Energy spokesman on Wednesday.

Scott Drzycimski, customer communications manager for Alliant Energy, said the company has filed compliance filings — which include what the new rates will be for each customer class — with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. It expects to hear back in January or February.

If these last-minute details are approved as scheduled, he said, the company will implement final rates in March, with refunds being issued around the same time.

Refunds are being issued because the Public Utilities Commission in June approved a revenue increase for Alliant Energy’s subsidiary Interstate Power & Light that was less than what customers have been paying under interim rates since July 2010.

The commission ultimately approved a revenue increase of about $7.7 million out of an original $14 million annual request by the company.

Drzycimski said customers’ bills going back to July 2010 will be recalculated with the new rate that has been approved. The refund will be the overage customers had been paying since the interim rates were initiated, plus interest.

The refund will be different based on customer class, usage and size of their home or building.

Drzycimski said because of how refunds are calculated in Minnesota, coming up with an average amount customers will receive is a little difficult. He said the actual amount each customer will receive varies; however, it appears most residential customers will see between a $30 and $35 credit on their March or April bills.

Customers who are no longer in the service area will be sent a check with a refund.