Published: November 21, 2008 10:07 pm      

Union Power requests rate increase

An electric company that serves 109 customers in Rhodell and 1,136 more in Wyoming County is seeking a rate increase.

Union Power Co. filed a tariff seeking increased rates with the state Public Service Commission. The company has requested an annual revenue increase of approximately 10 percent.

Residential customers would see an increase of just over 7 percent, while commercial customers would see about a 7.39 percent increase, according to the filing.

“The increases shown are based on averages of all customers,” a company official said. “Individual customers may receive increases that are greater or less than average.”

The new rates, if approved by the PSC, would become effective Dec. 14 and give the company an additional $115,296.52 annually in revenue.

The company said the requested increased rates and charges are only a proposal and are subject to change by the PSC.

The PSC must approve the rate increase request after holding a public hearing. A date and time for that hearing has yet to be scheduled, according to the company.

Those desiring to protest or intervene should file a written protest or petition to intervene prior to any public hearing on the matter. Those should be sent to: Executive Secretary, Public Service Commission of West Virginia, P.O. Box 812, Charleston, WV 25323.

A complete copy of the rate increase request is available at Union Power’s offices in Mullens. A copy is also available at the PSC office at 201 Brooks St. in Charleston.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com