FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Fayette County Commission has voted to send a letter to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) opposing the pending rate increase submitted by Appalachian Power.
At its regular meeting Tuesday morning, members of the Fayette County Commission voiced their opposition to the pending rate increase, citing multiple concerns.
On November 1, 2024, Appalachian Power refiled a request with the PSC to adjust its electric rates by 14.1%, an increase of $250.5 million. Monthly bills would see an increase of around $23.
As an alternative, Appalachian Power suggests using securitization to lessen the impact of their request, which would lead to an overall monthly bill increase of about 3.8%, or $6.72, for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh.
They submitted this request in March and are awaiting a vote from the PSC.
Scott Jones, a representative with Appalachian Power, was present at the meeting and took questions from commissioners ahead of the vote to send the letter.
Fayette County Commission President John Brenemen says he understands that electricity is a necessity and the cost of business but doesn’t agree with the timing of yearly rate increases.
“Having a rate increase that takes place every December when it’s the coldest months and increasing bills on people who are reliant on budgets or getting assistance because of their age, it’s real difficult for these people to pay their bills,” Brenemen explained.
Brenemen brought up the point that American Electric Power (AEP), which Appalachian Power is part of, has brought in major profits in the last few years.
Brenemen stated that if Appalachian Power does decide to continue with rate increases, they should be smaller and proposed in the summer months.
“I think it should be a small increase and I think it should be done during the summer months where people can actually start thinking about what the winter is going to bring instead of doing it every stinking December.”
Commissioner Allison Taylor also voiced opposition to the rate increase, stating that she has not seen an improvement in services in Fayette County to justify such an increase.
“Anytime we have a storm, I know last year I lost food here in Fayetteville twice, and I don’t even own a restaurant, this is just in my home,” Taylor said.
Taylor stated that there have been multiple power outages in the area in the first few months of the year which has resulted in the loss of food for multiple restaurants as well.
“Reliability is a big issue up here,” Taylor said of Appalachian Power. “I think if we have more reliability, we’re still uncomfortable with the rate increases.”
Scott Jones with Appalachian Power spoke to commissioners regarding the increase.
“We do realize that it’s hard,” Jones said. “With inflation and all the other things associated with the cost of business services, we did file for a $250 million rate increase back in November.”
Jones stated that the rate increase could be greatly reduced if the PSC acts on the securitization filing from March.
Jones says that if the process is approved by the PSC, then the overall rate increase would drop to around $70 million, resulting in an average monthly bill increase of around $6.72.
Commissioner Greg Fernett asked about payment programs available for customers. Jones said customers can find information on payment programs at www.appalachianpower.com/assistance.
The commission voted 3-0 to send the letter to the PSC opposing the rate increase.
The commission also voted 3-0 to send a letter to the PSC voicing support for the securitization process.
