Appalachian Power PSC Rate Increase Hearing Begins Tuesday

The West Virginia Public Service Commission will hold hearings starting Tuesday on Appalachian Power’s proposal to raise electricity rates.

Appalachian Power has asked the PSC to increase its base rates in a case that’s generated considerable public outcry.

If approved, the average electricity customer’s bill would go up $23.74 a month. 

Groups opposing the increase say rates have doubled in the past 15 years and that electricity costs overall have increased faster than the rate of inflation.

The commission will begin its evidentiary hearing Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. That hearing is planned to continue into Wednesday and Thursday.

A rally outside the PSC headquarters at 201 Brooks Street in Charleston will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a public comment hearing inside.

The PSC has received hundreds of comments in opposition to the rate increase.

In a separate filing, Appalachian Power is asking the PSC to recover $71.6 million in fuel costs from electricity customers.

If approved, the proposal would raise residential bills by another $5.31 a month.

The hearings in that case will take place in August.