August 2024 Newsletter

AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the August edition of West Virginians for Energy Freedom's newsletter!

Wow, what a month! August was packed with energy and action, and that’s all thanks to YOU. Together, we flooded a Charleston street, telling AEP loud and clear that we won’t stand for higher rates but will stand up for our rights. You brought your voices to the Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing and made sure we were heard. With your help, we delivered nearly 200 signatures to the PSC—let’s keep that momentum going! And to top it off, our first Lunch and Learn sparked an amazing discussion about solar opportunities in West Virginia.

This is what real change looks like—when we unite and act together. Your voice matters. Your actions matter. Thank you for showing up, speaking out, and driving the movement for energy freedom!

In the News

Energy Battles Heat Up

West Virginians are speaking out against AEP’s rate hikes, while the Sierra Club sues the PSC over coal plants. The fight for fair energy is on.

Residents Voice Concerns Over AEP's Proposed Rate Hikes at Public Hearing

Community members came out on Monday to voice their concerns regarding American Electric Power's proposed price hikes at a public hearing.

READ MORE

Sierra Club Sues PSC in Federal Court Over Coal Plant Operations

The Sierra Club filed its 36-page complaint this week in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

READ MORE

Share Your Story

It takes more money to heat and cool Hannah’s apartment in West Virginia than her parent’s entire home in Virginia. Hannah shares her story of how these costs are impacting young people like her.

You can join Hannah. It is easy to share your story of how high energy rates impact your everyday life and your experiences will help us make change. Get started now!

Events

Rally For Fair Rates

On August 15th, West Virginia heard you! Thanks for joining Citizens Action Group and WVEF on the street to tell AEP that their proposed rate increases will hurt West Virginia. There was a variety of news coverage around the event and we want to thank you for sharing your support.

August Lunch Learn

Our special guest was Chris Samples, IBEW Local Union 466 Business Manager. He shares how the solar industry is creating good local jobs in West Virginia. We also shared information on how you can find a reputable solar installer in the state with the new Solar Ethics Pledge.

Watch the recording here. Access the deck with resources here.

Mark Your Calendar

September 7 | Health and Wellness Fair | Charleston, WV

Come visit us at the Westside Community Health Fair! We’ll be at Magic Island from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. talking to West Virginians like you about energy freedom in our state!

September Lunch and Learn

Check your emails, we will announce our next Lunch and Learn event soon.

Legislative Updates

AEP Requests Another Rate Increase

On Friday, August 2, 2024, AEP’s West Virginia utilities, Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, filed the initial documents to increase rates for most, if not all, of their customers. The paperwork filed on that day describes the impact of the proposal to how rates work for the customers. It does not, however, give any reasoning for why AEP believes that the Public Service Commission (PSC) should approve their request. That will come later, once AEP files testimony to justify its proposal.

The rate increase will have a measurable impact on residential customers, school districts, small businesses and even local governments. Because each customers’ bills are set up differently, the impacts on each are unique. WV4EF has launched an information page on the case which analyzes the increases proposed by type, provides more details on the case, and opportunities for you to continue to get involved.

Take Action

What can I do to make my voice heard?

Tell your story about how this rate increase or your current high electricity bills affect you!
Make comments on the case after the testimony comes in and we have more information about the case. Our supporters expect us to have accurate and complete information before weighing in on a proposal and we take that duty seriously. We will email you, or check our website in September when we expect to have the official WV4EF action center “live” for this case, based on the full picture.
Sign Tyler’s petition. In the meantime, our friend Tyler has a petition that he will be submitting to the PSC in a few weeks, which is a way that you can express your opposition to this rate increase.
Speak with a WV4EF staff member about becoming active.

Interested in having a training about energy freedom and rate increases to your area?
Want to write a letter to the local newspaper?
Want to host a protest?
Want to put up a billboard about electric rates?

Let’s talk. You can sign up for a time to speak with our coalition staff here. We want to help you accomplish your goals to bring more energy freedom to West Virginia. We need to all work together to fight the powerful interests that cause our bills to keep going up!