Associated Press Published

First Energy Seeks Rate Hike for Vegetation Management

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First Energy has asked West Virginia regulators to approve a $75.8 million rate hike over two years to cover the cost of its vegetation management programs.

First Energy says it needs the increase to cover $51.9 million in past vegetation management expenses and $23.9 million in expected costs in 2016 and 2017.

Monday’s rate filing with the Public Service Commission comes two weeks after the company requested a separate $165 million rate increase to cover fuel and other costs. Both rates are separate from the company’s base rate.

Company spokesman Todd Meyers tells the Charleston Gazette-Mail that the vegetation management programs have improved First Energy’s electric reliability throughout West Virginia.

First Energy is the parent company of Mon Power and Potomac Edison.