WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia customers served by Appalachian Power will soon see higher electric bills after the Public Service Commission approved a base rate increase set to take effect June 1.
According to the company, the approved rate adjustment will raise residential and commercial base rates by 4%, while industrial rates will increase by 2.5%.
For the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, the change will increase monthly bills by approximately $4.84.
Appalachian Power officials said the increase is tied to rising costs tied to inflation, including higher expenses for labor, materials, and fuel, along with continued investments aimed at improving reliability across the electric grid in West Virginia.
The Public Service Commission approved an inflation adjustment totaling approximately $40.1 million, representing about 2% of the company’s overall revenue.
“Our responsibility is to provide our customers with the reliable energy they count on, and these changes help us do that while keeping bills as low as possible,” said Brian Abraham, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power.
As part of the agreement, Appalachian Power also agreed to withdraw its planned 2026 notice to file another base rate case and will not seek another base rate increase before June 1, 2027. Company officials said the move is intended to provide more stability for customers and reduce how often rates change.
Customers looking for assistance with rising utility costs can find available programs and resources through Appalachian Power Assistance Programs.
