SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Legislation to freeze utility rate increase requests from Appalachian Power for two years and add citizen recommendations in the State Corporation Commission decision making process has attracted bi-partisan support this week in Richmond.
It would cap rates from July 2025 until July 2027 and require the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation to review and make recommendations regarding certain petitions filed by Appalachian Power with the State Corporation Commission.
HB 2665 has been assigned to the House Committee on Labor and Commerce, and it is anticipated to have a full hearing in the days ahead, according to a written statement.
“Citizens should have a stronger voice in the approval of the rate increases by the SCC and should have greater participation in the decision-making process. They are the ones who make the tough decision to either pay their electric bill or buy food,” said Del. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell, who introduced HB 2665.
Chief Co-Patron Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, said, “No one in our Commonwealth should be subject to outrageous rate hikes. Appalachian Power’s profit margin is immorally high, stuffing their pockets with Virginian’s hardearned dollars. It is past time that we cap the amount they can charge for use of a necessary utility.”
Appalachian Power has about 530,000 Virginia customers in a service area extending from far Southwest eastward to include Roanoke, Lynchburg and Martinsville.
“Appalachian Power Company’s rates are some of the highest in the Commonwealth. The General Assembly and our Southwest Delegation have heard the cries of Southwest Virginians and are looking at many options to bring some relief to monthly power bills. I applaud Delegate Morefield for his approach to this important issue,” Sen. Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell, chief co-patron from the Senate.
Co-Patron Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Abingdon, said, “This bipartisan legislation is about putting Southwest Virginians first. The bill, combined with other legislative efforts, reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and fostering greater accountability. We will continue working with all parties and stakeholders who share our desire to reduce the rising cost of electricity and get utility companies under control.”
dmcgee@bristolnews.com — Twitter: @DMcGeeBHC