In 2000, the audit says, the utility's payments to these other companies rose about 50 percent, to more than $600 million.

Next year, the rental payment will rise to $155 million.

Under the agreement, which was signed today, the payments will rise, to $250,000 this year from $143,000.

The average payment per month rose from $133 to $166.

Direct federal payments to farmers last year rose to a record $23 billion.

Over the next two years, payments will rise to $800 million.

And those payments, like other health insurance costs, will rise.

He estimated that the payments would rise 6 percent this year, to $13.25.

By contrast, payment for a typical office visit, now $38, would rise to $45 next year and to $48 in 1996.

After two hours the payment rises to 200 percent, or $400 maximum.