AARP WV Expresses Deep Disappointment In WV PSC Ruling Granting AEP Rate Hike

AARP West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller issued the following statement in response to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia’s approval on October 12, 2021, of a cost recovery proposal by Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company’s to keep the Amos, Mountaineer, and Mitchell plants operational until at least 2040.

“On behalf of West Virginia consumers, AARP expresses its deep disappointment in the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for approving a half-billion utility rate hike for Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power customers. With this decision, the Commission has essentially abandoned its mission to balance the interest of current and future utility service customers with the general interest of the state’s economy and the interests of the utilities, tipping the scales in the favor of the utilities providers and against the West Virginia consumer. After being soundly rejected by state regulators in Kentucky and Virginia, the American Electric Power-affiliates came to West Virginia ratepayers seeking relief. The overwhelming majority of public comments submitted during this case’s short, expedited timeline showed West Virginia industrial and residential ratepayers were strongly opposed to this proposal for cost recovery. Thanks to the swift action of the Commission, American Electric Power will recoup its half-billion investment solely on the backs of West Virginia ratepayers, who will continue to export power they’re paying to produce to others states while seeing their own utility bills escalate for the foreseeable future.”

The Commission’s final order in this case (WV PSC Case #20-1040-E-CN) can be viewed here.

--------------------------------------------------------

AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304-340-4605, tphunter@aarp.org