Power companies serving West Virginia customers have refiled a base rate review application with state regulators, which could impact monthly bills as soon as Dec. 1. Appalachian Power, along with Wheeling Power, have included two proposals in the filing aimed at recovering more than $1 billion in investments made since the last base rate increase five years ago, according to a news release from AEP.
The first would increase annual revenues by about $250.5 million, or 14.12%, meaning a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see a net increase of $13.54%, or $23.74 per month. An alternative proposal would result in an overall mothy increase of 3.8% or $6.72 for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month. A mechanism would be put in place to limit the frequency of rate adjustments.
Eyewitness News said the AEP has requested the rates go into effect next month, but noted the West Virginia Public Service Commission can take up to 300 days to decide. Protests may be submitted in writing to the PSC at P.O. Box 816, Charleston, WV 25323.