AEP to pass on chance to raise rates againJul 14 - "Roanoke Times (Roanoke, VA)"Appalachian Power Co. informed state regulators Friday that it will pass on an opportunity to raise rates. In a filing with the State Corporation Commission, Appalachian indicated that it will not seek an increase in its fuel factor rate. The fuel factor is aimed at dollar-for-dollar recovery for the cost the utility incurs for fuel, primarily coal, and purchased power. It is often adjusted annually. There is no profit in the fuel factor. Last June, the SCC approved Appalachian's request to raise the fuel factor to its current level, 2.953 cents per kilowatt-hour. That meant a $7.56 increase in the monthly bill for an average residential customer. Stability in coal prices was the main reason Appalachian did not seek to raise its fuel rate this year, utility spokesman Todd Burns said. There are no other pending requests that would change rates for Southwest Virginians this year, Burns said. Even though Appalachian is not seeking an increase, the matter must still be approved by the SCC. - Laurence Hammack http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=29289796 |