Arkansans are in line for another utility-bill increase as Entergy Arkansas seeks an $83.2 million rate hike that would begin in January. Average monthly bills would rise $5.33.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission has until Dec. 13 to rule on the 4.25% increase that would be Entergy's fourth consecutive annual rate increase -- all in the 4% range -- since 2021.
The company has been approved for rate increases of about $239.5 million from 2021-23 under a state law that allows utilities to increase charges by 4% annually without filing a formal rate case, according to Public Service Commission filings.
It also is the sixth time Entergy has used the 4% cap to raise rates since 2016 through the Formula Rate Plan process, which uses actual costs from the prior year -- in this case 2023 -- and estimated expenses and investments for the projected year -- 2025.