Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper filed testimony with the West Virginia Public Service Commission this week opposing a $641 million rate hike request by Appalachian Power. Eyewitness News reported Carper argued Appalachian Power failed to meet standards set by the PSC. Appalachian Power has disputed a consultant’s report that found power plants failed to operate at a level ordered by state regulators. The utility has proposed two cost recovery plans to minimize customer impact. If approved, rate adjustments would take effect on Sept. 1.