State energy regulators are considering a new plan from Columbus-based American Electric Power that would allow the utility to increase rates for customers. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
AEP is asking to increase a certain line item on electric bills by 120%. That "customer charge" would go up about $10 more a month.
Rachel Belz with the advocacy group Ohio Citizen Action notes AEP just tried and failed to raise rates to help its struggling coal plants.
Belz: “They just keep reaching right into the pockets of their residential customers.”
AEP contends that other charges are dropping so the increase for an average ratepayer will be a dollar and change. But Belz argues the customer charge hike will disproportionately affect lower income customers.