Xcel Energy customers could see their electric bills jump by an average of $13 a month next year. That’s if state regulators approve the rate hikes the company is proposing: 9.6 percent for 2025 and another 3.6 percent for 2026.

Xcel, which is Minnesota’s largest electricity provider, says the higher rates will fund investments in reliability, clean energy and its nuclear plants – and help it prepare for higher energy use in the future.

The Public Utilities Commission, which is the board that regulates utilities in Minnesota, is holding meetings around the state this month to gather public input. Annie Levenson-Falk advocates for utility consumers as the leader of a group called the Citizens Utility Board. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

There’s a virtual public hearing on electric rates Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Others are scheduled around the state through next Thursday.

In a statement to MPR News, Xcel wrote, “We are committed to meeting our state’s growing demand for electricity, maintaining reliable service, working toward a cleaner energy future and keeping costs low for our customers. Our proposal reflects the needs expressed by our customers as they electrify their homes and businesses and invest in economic development.”