LES customers will likely see a increase in their bill next month.

The LES administrative board approved a 10.1 percent retail rate increase. The increase comes after a unexpected increase in fuel and coal costs this year.

The average LES customer will see a $8.50 increase to his or her electric bill.

CEO Terry Bundy said LES plans to increase contributions to the Lincoln Action Program to help out low-income families.

"The board is proposing to nearly double that amount. That will add $33,000 for the reminder of this year and then boost 2009 contribution by $100,000, so the total will be in the range of $218,000," Bundy said.

The Lincoln City Council will now have the final say on the increase.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler issued this statement on the proposed increase.

"I am disappointed that the LES board did not hold the rate increase for customers at the 7 to 8 percent level. I will continue to meet with out city attorney and city council members to look at the options available to us to ease this burden on rate payers," he said.