High oil prices have prompted Newfoundland and Labrador's energy regulator to approve an increase in most electricity rates.
The Public Utilities Board has approved an increase of about 4.8 per cent in electricity rates, effective July 1.
The rate increase applies to Newfoundland Power as well as to Crown-owned Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's island-based customers.
The PUB said the rising costs paid by Hydro to operate its fuel-burning generating plant in Holyrood were one of two key factors in the rate increase. The Holyrood station generates more than a third of the electricity used in the province.
The other factor leading to the increase, the regulator said, involved higher taxes charged to Newfoundland Power by municipalities.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro said the cost of oil it purchases to generate electricity in Holyrood has increased about 175 per cent over the last decade.
Costs to individual customers, the PUB said, will vary depending on usage and rate class.
The PUB said rural residential customers who rely on diesel systems will see a similar increase.
The rates do not apply to Hydro customers in central and western Labrador.
