Xcel Energy is looking to charge up your electricity bills.

Officials say homes could see their bills raise by more than five dollars a month and small businesses could see their bills jump nearly eight dollars a month.

Xcel sent in the electric rate case request to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission Friday. Officials say they need to increase rates because of their expansion in generating power and cutting down on gas emissions.

If approved, the proposed rate increase would go into effect summer 2009. Officials say this delay gives the Commission time to have hearings on their request.