Public Service Commission
PSC Sets Public Meetings in Kentucky Power Co. Rate Case - Comments taken in Ashland, Pikeville and Hazard

       The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold public meetings next month in Ashland, Pikeville and Hazard to receive comments on the request for a rate increase by the Kentucky Power Co. (American Electric Power).
       “These meetings will allow the PSC to hear directly from the public as it prepares to consider whether the proposed new rates are fair, just and reasonable,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said.
       The meetings are scheduled for:
       
        Ashland
        Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EDT
       Auditorium, Park Place (former AEP building)
       1701 Central Avenue
       
        Pikeville
        Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EDT
       Auditorium, Pikeville High School
       120 Championship Drive
      
        Hazard
        Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EDT
       Auditorium, Hazard Community and Technical College
       One Community College Drive
       

       Kentucky Power’s application and related documents are available on the PSC Web site, psc.ky.gov. The case number is 2009-00459.
       Kentucky Power has about 176,000 customers in 20 counties in eastern Kentucky. The PSC is holding the public meetings in response to requests from the company’s customers and elected officials.
       Kentucky Power has proposed to increase its electric rates across all classes of customers in order to generate an additional $123 million in revenue per year – an increase of about 24 percent. The company estimates that the average monthly bill for residential customers would rise to nearly $153, an increase of about 34 percent from the current average of about $115.
       Persons wishing to comment on the proposed rate increase may do so at the meeting. Depending on the number of people wishing to speak, the length of oral comments may be limited.                                        
       Written comments will be accepted at the meeting. Written comments also may be mailed to the PSC at P.O. Box 615, Frankfort, KY 40602, faxed to 502-564-9625 or e-mailed from the PSC Web site.
       The evidentiary hearing in the case, at which Kentucky Power will appear before the PSC, will be held at the PSC offices in Frankfort on Tuesday, May 25, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. The hearing, which may last several days, will be open to the public, but there will be only limited opportunity for public comments. Written comments will be accepted through the conclusion of the hearing.
       The evidentiary hearing may be viewed live on the PSC Web site.
       The PSC is an independent agency attached for administrative purposes to the Energy and Environment Cabinet. It regulates more than 1,500 gas, water, sewer, electric and telecommunication utilities operating in Kentucky and has approximately 100 employees.