COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska Public Power District's residential customers can expect their electric bills to go up about $6 a month.

The utility's board on Friday approved the 5.7 percent increase, along with a 5.9 percent hike for wholesale customers. The changes go into effect Jan. 1.

NPPD says the money is needed to offset $152 million for a transmission line from Columbus to Lincoln and $198 million for its share of the new Nebraska City power plant.

NPPD sells electricity wholesale to 52 towns and 25 rural districts and cooperatives. It serves about 80 communities at the retail level.