The agency that regulates energy prices in Newfoundland and Labrador has approved rate increases for Newfoundland Power and people who get their electricity directly from Crown-owned Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The Public Utilities Board said the increases will vary depending on the type of service and the amount of power consumed.

The increase means a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month can expect to pay four per cent more on Jan. 1. Someone consuming 2,000 kilowatt-hours will see an increase of 4.4 per cent.