NEW ULM — Three electric department fees will see an increase in 2023.

The New Ulm Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the schedule of fees and charges for next year. Only three fees saw an increase and all of them fell under electric utilities.

The first was an increase to meter disconnect. If a meter disconnect is required or requested by a customer, the cost will increase from $150 per meter to $250 per meter. This increase is to cover the cost.

The second increase is for relocation of an electric meter from inside to outside of the house. The cost increased from $425 to $450.

The third increase was for public safety lighting. The cost increased 50 cents a month, going from $4.50 per address per month to $5 per address per month.

Public Utilities Financial Manager Beth Kral said the increases were made to reflect the increase in cost.

The increases were unanimously approved by the PUC.

——

The PUC unanimously approved an infrastructure condition analysis for the wastewater treatment plant.

Utility Engineer Dan Pirsig said the plant is nearly 50 years old, having been built in 1974. The analysis will cover the entire plant as many components could be reaching end of their life. The assessment will identify critical assets needing of replacement in the next five to seven years. It also look into possible future permitting needs and requirements. By looking at possible wastewater permitting changes, the department could plan for the future and keep the plant viable for decades to come.

Bolton & Menk was selected for the infrastructure analysis at a cost of $52,400.