Cowlitz PUD commissioners are holding a public hearing at 7 tonight to discuss a 3 percent to 6 percent rate increase beginning in October.

The hearing will feature a presentation on the rate increase proposal and allow time for public comment, according to the PUD.

The proposed rate increase is due to n upcoming 7 percent increase in wholesale rates from the federal Bonneville Power Administration. Cowlitz PUD buys about 90 percent of its power from the BPA, and the increase will add $7.5 million in expenses in 2010 to the PUD’s budget.

The auditorium is at 961 12th Ave. in Longview.