WV PSC Sets October Public Hearings On Proposed First Energy 17 Percent Rate Hike

AARP West Virginia is encouraging West Virginians served by Mon Power and Potomac Edison, First Energy Corp.’s operating electric utility providers in the Mountain State, to attend a series of upcoming public hearings, as the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (WV PSC) considers approval of a proposed 17 percent rate hike that will impact approximately 525,000 customers in 40 West Virginia counties.

In April, Mon Power and Potomac Edison filed a request with the WV PSC for a $144 million net increase in current rates. The proposed increase includes a $95.7 million base rate increase, a $48.4 million surcharge for expenses related to vegetation management. Separately, First Energy requested revised depreciation rates that would require a $17 million increase in annual revenues for the operating companies, incorporated into the aforementioned base rate request.

In June, First Energy amended its filing to include $7.5 million in projected costs associated with monthly meter reading requirements, which resulted from a general billing investigation and order by the WV PSC.

The WV PSC will host a series of public hearings on this rate case (WV PSC Case #14-0702-E-42T) in three communities during the month of October:

Flatwoods:
Wednesday, October 1: 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., Days Hotel Conference Center, 350 Days Drive.

Morgantown:
Thursday, October 2: 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., Waterfront Place Hotel, 2 Waterfront Place

Shepherdstown:
Monday, October 6: 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., Shepherd University Frank Arts Center, 260 University Drive

The WV PSC will hold evidentiary hearings on the case October 28-31 in Charleston. Mon Power and Potomac Edison customers may submit comments online at www.psc.state.wv.us by selecting the “Submit A Comment” link, or mail public comment to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, 201 Brooks Street, PO Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323. (Reference PSC Case Number #14-0702-E-42T ).

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AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304.340.4605, tphunter@aarp.org