Customers of Vermont’s largest electric utility are going to see their rates going up today.
Effective today, the Central Vermont Public Service increase its rates by 2.3 percent.
The increase is half as much as what the Rutland-based CVPS had asked for.
Last May, it filed for a 4.46 percent increase, but later reached agreement with the state Department of Public Service on the smaller increase.
The increase was approved yesterday by the Vermont Public Service Board.
CVPS President Bob Young says no one likes to increase rates, but the increase is needed to ensure reliable customer service.
He says much of the new revenue will pay for expanded tree-trimming programs to reduce the risk of outages.