CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — On Tuesday, June 17, West Virginians across the state will gather to speak out against a proposed base rate increase and drastic cuts to rooftop solar compensation by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power. The proposal, under review by the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC), could raise monthly electric bills by over $23 for typical households and significantly reduce incentives for solar panel users.
A rally and public hearing will be held at PSC headquarters in Charleston beginning at 5:00 p.m., with public testimony starting at 5:30 p.m. At the same time, a community streaming and speaking event will take place at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, where residents can watch the hearing live and receive assistance joining virtually.
Critics say the plan would burden West Virginians—who already pay some of the highest energy rates in the region—with further increases, while discouraging investment in renewable energy.
“Appalachian Power should be doing more to reduce energy costs, not raising them,” said Emmett Pepper, policy director for Energy Efficient West Virginia. “This hearing gives ordinary people a chance to speak up, since most of us don’t have high-priced lobbyists fighting for us.”
The proposal also slashes “net metering” compensation by nearly two-thirds, the credit rooftop solar users receive for the excess energy they generate. Advocates say the move threatens clean energy progress and energy freedom.
“This is a direct attack on solar access in West Virginia,” said Leah Turgeon, state director for Solar United Neighbors. “Families trying to invest in solar and lower their bills will be penalized if these changes go through.”
The timeline AEP proposed for locking in current rates has also raised concerns. To avoid the drastic credit cut, customers would have needed to submit paperwork by December 31, 2024, and receive project completion approval by April 30, 2025—even before the PSC has ruled on the proposal.
“AEP literally tried to retroactively strip hundreds of residents of their solar credit benefits,” said Dan Conant, CEO of Solar Holler.
The events are organized by a coalition of residents and advocacy groups under the banner West Virginians for Energy Freedom, urging the PSC to reject the proposal in favor of affordable, sustainable energy solutions.
“This isn’t just about solar—it’s about the rising cost of basic utilities for families and seniors,” said Courtney MacDonald, the coalition’s spokesperson. “We need an energy system that puts people first.”
Event Details:
Charleston Public Hearing & Rally
📍 Public Service Commission of WV, 201 Brooks Street, Charleston
🕔 Rally: 5:00 PM
🕠 Hearing: 5:30 PM
📣 Open to the public, no pre-registration required to speak in person.
Wheeling Watch & Speak Event
📍 Ohio County Public Library, 52 16th Street, Wheeling
🕔 Streaming and speaker assistance: 5:00–7:00 PM
💻 Virtual attendees must register to speak by 4 PM, June 16 at energyfreedomwv.org/aep-base-rate-case.
Participants can join the hearing in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams.
