FILE - A flare to burn methane from oil production is seen on a well pad near Watford City, North Dakota, Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Public hearings are scheduled Monday regarding a large utility rate hike proposal in North Dakota.

A branch of Xcel Energy is asking state regulators for a 19% rate hike which would affect nearly 100,000 electricity customers in the region. The hearings are scheduled for noon and 6 p.m. and can be accessed online through the Public Service Commission. They are a chance for those affected to weigh in, along with company officials and consumer advocates.

Josh Askvig, state director for AARP North Dakota, said rate hike proposals are common in the world of utilities, be he added this one is something customers should really pay attention to and voice any concerns.

“A 19% increase is significant on anything, but especially when it’s your utility bill,” Askvig emphasized.

AARP said the latest request follows a flurry of rate hike moves for regional gas and electricity service at a time when people are struggling with higher consumer costs. The other hikes were whittled down during the review process and state regulators hinted a similar outcome for this plan because of its large scope. Company officials said extra revenue is needed for a broad layout of infrastructure investments, including nuclear power, with the potential to lower fuel costs.

Askvig stressed they understand some utility needs will find their way on to a customer’s bill but his organization contended local ratepayers should not have to shoulder the burden for costs which may not have anything to do with the power use inside their home.

“We think the consumer should have the most control over their energy bill that they can,” Askvig argued. “If I unplug everything today, my bill’s still likely to go up tomorrow because of the fixed charge. That’s a problem.”

Xcel is facing similar headwinds as rates hikes are considered in other states, including neighboring Minnesota. While the transition to cleaner sources is brought up in some of the debates, supporters of the options said their presence is actually keeping energy bills from going up even higher as electricity demand soars.

As for the hearings, people can comment by a phone option or attend in person at selected sites. Details are on the Public Service Commission website.