Lowering high electric bills statewide remains a major focus for West Virginia House Democrats in this year’s legislative session.
Lawmakers say the issue gained urgency following their kitchen table tour, where they spoke with residents across the state about the challenges they want addressed.
“One of the biggest things was cost of living and it was about everybody not being able to afford the power bill,” Del. Sean Hornbuckle said.
High electricity costs were also discussed during last year’s legislative session. At that time, an Appalachian Power spokesperson told the Senate energy committee that rising fuel costs and unusually cold weather largely drove the increase in customer bills.
“We’ve got a three-pronged plan to be able to get some relief to West Virginians,” Hornbuckle said.
In August, the Public Service Commission approved a $76.1 million rate hike for AEP after the company initially requested $250.5 million.
Now, lawmakers are proposing a freeze on electric rates until mid-2027, saying the pause would allow time for the legislature to implement new policies.
“One good policy we’d like to get across the finish line this year is reform of the Public Service Commission because they have so much power in terms of approving electric rate increases,” Del. Evan Hansen said. “Our reform package includes things like ethics reform to hold them to the highest ethical standards.”
Hansen added the proposal would also require commissioners to base decisions on public interest rather than the preferences of electric utilities.
“We’re pushing to make the commissioners an elected office rather than appointed office so they can be held accountable by the rate payers and not accountable to the governor,” he said.