Alaska utility expects higher-than-usual rates to continue

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) —Juneau-area residents will likely continue paying more than usual for electricity because of low water levels at an Alaska utility’s hydroelectric facility.

Dry conditions in southeast Alaska over the last year have caused the Alaska Electric Light & Power to temporarily increase rates, the Juneau Empire reported Saturday.

The utility’s main source of power is the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project.

The utility offsets power costs for customers by selling surplus energy to so-called interruptible customers — those with multiple heating systems. The utility can disconnect the...