The company cited the commission's rate-hike decision as the reason for the cutbacks. The utility said the increase was not enough to meet its needs to serve its growing customer base.

Last week, after meetings with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and state legislative leaders, the company had said that it would rescind its plans to reduce customer service. Rocky Mountain Power President Richard Walje said he was opening discussions with state officials and others to make a case for billions of dollars in electric-system improvements that are needed in Utah.

The company filed a formal appeal with the commission on Sept. 2 to reconsider the reduced rate hike that had been granted. The commission granted the appeal and is reviewing the rate-hike request.

The company's legal appeal challenged the commission's decision on Aug. 11 to approve a $33.4 million rate hike, when the utility had requested more than twice that much. The company received a 2.7 percent rate increase but had asked for a 5.6 percent hike. The commission on Aug. 21 said it had made a calculation mistake in its Aug. 11 order and said the amount of the rate hike was $36.2 million.

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