Allegheny Power Announces to Hike WV Rates $118M

West Virginia customers of Allegheny Energy could see their rates go up by a combined $118 million annually under a proposal now before the state Public Service Commission.

If approved, the hike will mean a $7.65 increase for a residential customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours a month. Their monthly bill is now around $83.

The Pennsylvania-based utility had sought a $141 million increase. That would have hiked monthly bills by more than $9. The proposal announced Thursday reflects an agreement with commission staff, the Consumer Advocate Division and the state’s Energy Users Group.

Allegheny says fuel and purchased power costs prompted the new rate, but it argues the rate is still 21% below the national average.

The increase would take effect in January.