AARP OPPOSING APPALACHIAN POWERS 43% RATE INCREASE

(06/13/2009)
AARP is on a campaign to try and help tens of thousands of West Virginia seniors by opposing a 43% power rate hike by Appalachian Power.

The organization wants the company to know the full extent of what they're doing to seniors and other low income West Virginians if the rate increase is approved by the state Public Service Commission.

They'll be at next week's PSC evidentiary hearing on the proposed rate hike.

Appalachian Power is asking for the rate hike because of an increase in the cost of coal.

The company says the cost to produce electricity is more than what it's collecting from customers.

Opponents of the behemoth PATH coal generating and high-tower electric power project say WV residents will see additional costs on their power bills.

Gov. Joe Manchin says he hopes to tax the project.

The billion dollar project is designed to provide coal-generated power to much of the eastern USA.