Gold Country Energy has filed for a rate increase that would more than double the cost of power adjustment surcharge for customers in the Central area, with public comments due by May 4.

The utility filed its quarterly rate update with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska on April 20. If approved, the cost of power adjustment would jump from 26 cents per kilowatt-hour to 65 cents per kilowatt-hour starting April 1, 2026. The power cost equalization rate would rise from 47 cents to 76 cents per kilowatt-hour, and the small facility power purchase rate would increase from 38 cents to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The commission will accept written comments until 5:00 p.m. on May 4. Comments can be submitted online at the commission's website or mailed to 701 West Eighth Avenue, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99501. All comments must reference case number TA197-341 and include a statement that a copy was sent to Gold Country Energy.

The statutory notice period for the filing ends June 1. The commission may approve rates that differ from what the utility proposed.

Residents can view the complete filing on the commission's website at rca.alaska.gov by searching for TA197-341. For questions about the filing, contact Judy Schenk, bookkeeper for Gold Country Energy, at (907) 888-6716 or [email protected].

People with disabilities who need special accommodations to participate should contact Shelby Lopez at (907) 276-6222 or toll-free at 1-800-390-2782 by April 27.