Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, subsidiaries of the national utility American Energy Power, are asking West Virginia energy regulators to approve a settlement allowing them to raise rates and make changes to net metering for owners of rooftop solar panels.
A hearing on the case is scheduled for this Tuesday in Charleston.
West Virginia electricity rates have doubled in 15 years, and residents can't shoulder another 13% increase to their monthly bill - explained Courtney MacDonald, coalition coordinator for West Virginians for Energy Freedom.
"In West Virginia, it's important to note that because we live in a monopolized energy system," said MacDonald, "folks don't really have the choice in terms of where they get their energy from, and what that energy is going to cost them."
According to the company, the rate increase is needed to improve operations and provide reliable power to households. Around 460,000 customers across 25 West Virginia counties rely on AEP for power.
The utility's proposal would also slash the net metering credit for excess energy produced, by two-thirds.
That would mean homeowners with solar panels would receive a lower payment for the electricity they send back to the grid.
MacDonald said folks can speak up on how these changes would impact them at a Tuesday rally in Charleston, and by submitting comments at the public hearing.
"That's really an important opportunity for people to make sure that the Public Service Commission knows that they're not for these changes," said MacDonald, "and really how it's impacting them and their day to day lives. "
According to a Pew survey released this month, wind and solar power are still popular renewable energy options overall.
However, Americans are less supportive of using them since the first Trump administration, with the sharpest decline among Republicans.
AEP proposes rate hikes, changes to net metering for WV customers