| State Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin says during the past five years American Electric Power has increased their West Virginia rates 70%, if current rate requests of 7.4% and 17 percent are approved.
Chafin said he would like to see corporate salaries reduced, those salaries have increased $104 million during the past five years.
The company says it is increasing rates because of the high price of coal and to recoup costs that the company experienced during last winter's snow storm. They also say they need funds to upgrade power plants to meet environmental standards.
Chafin has criticized AEP Chairman Michael Morris, who made more than $2.8 million in salary and bonuses in 2008. At least five other company executives also have received bonuses and salary hikes.
The company says AEP executive salaries are competitive with leaders of other utilities and companies.
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