81.   Higher fuel costs were offset by productivity improvements, it said.

82.   However, the utilities can request increases during that period to make up for changes in fuel costs.

83.   In a majority of states, where electric utilities can automatically pass fuel costs to customers, the effect of higher coal prices will be felt quickly.

84.   In addition, the company is facing additional costs to provide coal to one of its utilities because of a lawsuit challenging its fuel costs.

85.   In others cases, the utility fought against regulators seeking to recover fuel costs it was paid while its nuclear plants were out of service, Forde said.

86.   In the next month the company will decide whether to raise rates on other services to reflect the higher fuel costs.

87.   Insurance rates and fuel costs have gone up.

88.   It blamed competition, higher fuel costs and a weaker dollar.

89.   Industry interests say limiting emissions would lead to higher fuel costs.

90.   Industry sources put the fuel costs at three times that amount.