MARQUETTE, MI (AP)-- Water and electricity don't always mix. But an Upper Peninsula utility says it has benefited from significant rain in September.
Upper Peninsula Power Company says the extra rain has allowed it to increase production at hydroelectric sites. The company says it produced 70 percent more energy, based on a 10-year average. Vice president Brett French says it will help lower bills for customers.
French says it could be a "banner year" for hydro power.
At the same time, UPPCO is seeking a rate increase from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The company wants an increase of 9.71 percent, effective in July of 2019.
Officials say the rate hike would generate an additional $9.9 million in yearly revenue.
UPPCO operates seven hydroelectric dams on the Dead, Escanaba, Ontonagon and Sturgeon rivers. The utility serves 52,000 customers in 10 northern Michigan counties.
