AARP Asks Public Service Commission to Listen to Members

AARP is asking the West Virginia Public Service Commission to listen to its members before deciding whether to grant two electric utilities the largest rate hike in history.

On June 1, AARP West Virginia Interim State Director Gaylene Miller sent the PSC a letter requesting that the regulators hear from AARP members before making a decision on the $442 million rate hike, which will raise consumers’ power bills by 43.3 percent over three years. Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company are asking for the rate increase.

AARP has about 312,000 members age 50 and older in West Virginia.

“If approved as filed, this case would represent the largest utility rate increase in West Virginia history,” Miller said in her request. “This historic rate hike could come on top of rate increases granted in 2006 and 2007.”

Miller told the commission that the rate increase would be detrimental to older and low-income consumers on fixed incomes.

“Such an increase following on two recent rate increases will have a devastating impact on many AARP members and others aged 50 and older,” she said. “Households on low and fixed incomes will be the hardest hit.”    

Miller said it is important that the commission hear from consumers, such as AARP members, during the rate-making process.

“AARP members are understandably concerned about the impact such a significant rate increase would have on their ability to afford necessary home energy,” she said. “AARP members have a vital interest in the outcome of this case and many plan to attend the hearing starting June 15.”

The PSC has not scheduled public hearings on the case, resulting in AARP’s request to make brief comments to the Commission during the June 15 hearing.