- ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Electric customers in Southcentral Alaska can expect higher bills. Channel-2 News reports that three major utility companies say customers should expect rate increases. One company says rates could rise 10 percent. Another says a worst-case scenario could triple costs in the Mat-Su Valley. Chugach Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Inc. and Municipal Light & Power all spoke at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Monday afternoon. The companies say the problem has to do with Cook Inlet natural gas not keeping up with demand. All three are building major infrastructure projects meant to lower rates in the future, but right now the construction costs for those projects are being passed on to customers. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska will have to approve a rate increase.