With power costs already straining many Virginia budgets, residents will soon have an official opportunity on Oct. 19 to weigh in on another proposed increase, Cardinal News reported.
The State Corporation Commission will take public comment as it reviews Appalachian Power's plan to raise the typical household's electric bill by $9.10 a month. The change would bring the utility millions more each year while pushing more of the cost onto customers.
Here's what to know
According to Cardinal News, Appalachian Power wants the Virginia State Corporation Commission to approve a base-rate hike that would add $61.4 million to its yearly revenue, a 3.3% bump. New rates couldn't take effect before March 1.
A typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly would see the base-rate proposal add 5.4%, or $9.10, to the bill. The utility is also separately seeking to add $3.99 a month to cover the cost of renewable energy projects.
Anyone planning to speak at the public hearing on Oct. 19 needs to register by Oct. 15. An evidentiary hearing follows on Oct. 20, and the commission's final decision is due by Jan. 15 next year.
More background
Base rates are the piece of an electric bill that pays for keeping the utility running day to day, including maintenance, some new infrastructure, and profit. Fuel and other costs are billed separately, so a bill can climb on base rates alone.
For families searching for ways to push back against rising utility costs, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Homeowners can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
The proposal has already faced pushback.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
Betsy Hudson, a resident of Lynchburg, Virginia, wrote in a public comment, "Electric bills are already at an all-time high, and the citizens of VA are already suffering due to this and other rising costs."
What can be done?
People who want to weigh in, whether in favor of the request or against it, still have multiple ways to participate. On Oct. 19, everyone who registered ahead of time gets five minutes to speak. Written comments are still open through the commission's website and by mail.
For homeowners hoping to reduce their long-term exposure to rate hikes, EnergySage can also be useful beyond quote comparisons.
With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage's solar map shows both the average cost of a home solar panel system and details on solar panel incentives in each state. This localized info can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages and save money on energy. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
As for Virginia's possible rate hike, delegates Will Morefield of Tazewell County and Mitchell Cornett of Grayson County warned the commission in a letter that a rate increase would be an "unbearable burden" and leave people "forced to choose between paying the electric bill or buying groceries and medicine."
Where can I learn more?
Rate fights like this one are playing out in other parts of Virginia and nearby states as regulators consider higher charges.
• In West Virginia, customers challenge an experimental rate hike as Appalachian Power warns of instability.
• In central Virginia, utility hikes hit homes as Dominion and water bills climb.
• In Maryland, BGE customers could pay $8 more a month after strong profits.
• Advocates in Maryland are also pressing utility oversight as bills spike and households face $1,700 charges.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
