By Curtis Tate
The West Virginia Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing on Appalachian Power’s latest rate increase proposal.
Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power are asking the PSC to approve a $250 million rate increase the companies filed in November.
The average residential electricity customer, using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month, would pay an additional $23.74 if the commission approves it.
Hundreds of residents, as well as school boards and county commissions, have submitted comments in opposition to the increase.
The public will get another chance to weigh in at 5:30 p.m. on June 17 at the PSC’s headquarters at 201 Brooks Street in Charleston.
Those who wish to participate virtually should register with the PSC by 4 p.m. on June 16. Those who attend in person can sign up to speak.
The commission will set aside three days to consider the evidence in the case.
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.