MADISON - State regulators will hold hearings around southern Wisconsin next week on a proposed electric rate increase.

Wisconsin Power and Light Company has asked the state Public Service Commission for permission to raise electric rates by 9.2 percent. That would translate to nearly $9 a month more for the average residential customer.

The commission plans to hold two public hearings each in Madison, Janesville and Fond du Lac simultaneously on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Wisconsin Power and Light serves much of southern and central Wisconsin.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)