Roughly 35 people signed up to talk Wednesday night to the State Corporation Commission about Appalachian Power's request to increase their fuel rate.
One by one everyone sounding off was sworn in.
Members of the General Assembly filled the front row, speaking on behalf of their constituents, while home owners take the podium on behalf of their own wallets.
Nathan Backus says he and his wife are like many around here on a fixed income.
“Where does it end,” Backus asked. “That’s what I’d like to know.”
Many echoed his exact thoughts.
Just last year Appalachian Power increased the general rate and on the table now is a 9-13 percent fuel hike.
Most everyone who spoke to the panel said the same thing…this is horrible timing.
“You're forcing senior citizens and laid off people to make a choice between basically basic life and death situations with electricity,” explained Delegate Danny Marshall, R-Henry County.
Many people I spoke to want to know why there's a proposal for an increase when fuel and coal prices are significantly down from last year.
Delegate Don Merricks, R- Henry County, says it’s not fair for Appalachian Power to pass last year’s coal price hike off to the customers now, especially those in the area with the highest unemployment in the state.
“I’m a business person too. I’ve seen my business costs escalate as well. Unfortunately, I don't get the benefit of going six months down the road and saying hey I need to recoup this I’m going to increase my contract,” said Merricks.
However, Appalachian Power spokesman, John Shepelwich, says the bill amount is up to customers...simply use less electricity.
“Indeed, they'll see an increase if they use the same amount of electricity from month to month. If they can cut that down some the impact will be a lot less,” explained Shepelwich.
Many of those who addressed the SCC told them since Appalachian Power is a monopoly it's up to the SCC to keep their rates competitive.
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