2023-08-20 11:08:09
The West Virginia Power Users Group has raised concerns regarding the impact of Appalachian Power’s rate increases on the state’s largest industrial users of electricity. Four years ago, these customers paid 6 cents per kilowatt hour, but if Appalachian Power’s current request to recover $642 million is approved by the West Virginia Public Service Commission, the rate would rise to more than 11 cents per kilowatt hour, nearly double the rates of 2019. This would make West Virginia’s electricity affordability 43rd among states, putting its industries at a competitive disadvantage.
Appalachian Power is exploring alternative options to ease the burden on electric users, including both commercial and residential customers. The increased costs are attributed to higher coal and natural gas prices in 2021 and the prior year. Two options proposed by Appalachian Power would result in industrial users paying slightly more than 8 cents or more than 9 cents per kilowatt hour, respectively. According to the Energy Users Group, under these alternatives, West Virginia would rank in energy costs 32nd or 40th among states.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing Monday in Wheeling, Ohio County Court, and an evidentiary hearing in Charleston on September 5. Concerns raised by the West Virginia Energy Users Group highlight the potential negative consequences of rate increases on industries in the state.
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