SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) City officials in the Northern Black Hills say they will feel the crunch if the Public Utilities Commission approves a 26.6 percent electricity rate increase requested by Black Hills Power.

Several of the officials say they didn't like the timing of the utility's request because the company made its announcement after they finalized their 2010 budgets.

The estimate of increased costs ranges from about $6,700 in Belle Fourche (bel-FOOSH') to more than $66,000 in Spearfish.

Belle Fourche Mayor Dave Schneider says the requested increase is unacceptable and an outrage. He says it will put some people out of business.

The PUC plans a public input meeting on Nov. 24 in Rapid City to hear comments about the rate increase proposal.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-11-09 1431CST | save this article / add to your favorites list