The Marshall City Council will consider the second reading of an ordinance to adopt adjustments to Marshall Municipal Utilities’ electric rate schedule at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 17.

The council approved the first reading on September 3, after much discussion with MMU General Manager Jeff Bergstrom.

The changes MMU approved to the electric rate scheduled include the removal of the -7.5 percent electric cost adjustment and an addition time-of-use rate schedule optional to customers.

The cost adjustment went into effect in June 2020 and helped save millions of dollars for MMU customers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bergstrom says its now time to remove the cost adjustment due to the rising costs MMU is facing.

This change will cause an increase in electric bills, however, Bergstrom said MMU is also offering an optional time-of-use rate schedule that could help customers save money if they consume less electricity during peak hours.

During the summer, peak hours are from 1 to 9 p.m. In the winter, peak hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This rate schedule is optional and differs from the current rate structure MMU uses, which is based off of usage and average market rates. MMU will offer more educational resources and a comparison tool to help residents determine which rate structure will work best for them.

If the council approves the changes, they will go into effect on October 1.