One of West Virginia's major utilities, Appalachian Power, is proposing a more than 13% rate hike, along with cuts to its current net metering rate for solar users.
Residents' monthly bills have already jumped more than $40 since 2019.
West Virginia has once again topped an unfortunate list, recording the highest power outage rate in the nation following the recent winter storm. This latest reliability letdown has left thousands without electricity, highlighting the pressing need for a transformative approach to our state's energy infrastructure.
Opinion by Courtney MacDonald
In the face of customer complaints about rising costs, Appalachian Power recently defended its proposed rate increase. As expected, the company assured readers that it prioritizes customer care. But at the same time, its proposal directly limits all customers’ ability to benefit from solar panels on their own rooftops.
Opinon
By Gary Zuckett
Executive Director, WV Citizen Action
The op-ed recently published in the Gazette-Mail by Chris Hamilton hails coal-fired electricity as poised to meet anticipated growing demand, while Attorney General JB McCuskey claims that coal and gas are the most reliable and cost-effective energy sources. However, these assertions neglect the financial realities that West Virginia's ratepayers face, the health and legacy costs of fossil resource extraction and consumption, as well as the opportunities presented by renewable energy. Mr Hamilton’s opinions go along well with his position as head of the WV Coal Association. I’m not sure why our incoming AG feels a need to pick winners and losers in the energy marketplace.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for next June on Appalachian Power Company’s request for a 14 percent increase in its base rate that could up the average customer’s power bill by $24 a month.
Energy Efficient West Virginia Policy Director Emmett Pepper, who is also a member of Charleston City Council, has reviewed the proposal. He said the utility said it could spread out the increase over a number of years.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission has set a mid-June evidentiary hearing date in a big power company rate case, and commissioners approved a major regional grocery store chain’s request to intervene because of how its costs could be affected.
