Families and businesses in our community are facing big news — our electric provider, Kentucky Power, wants to raise electricity rates again. If this happens, we could be paying as much as 15 percent more for our home electricity, and commercial and industrial rates could rise 13 percent to 15 percent. Of course, this is in addition to the 6 percent increase approved just this summer to cover the retirement of the Big Sandy Power Plant and costs from major storms. The proposed hikes would affect about 162,000 customers in 20 counties and could start as early as next spring.
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The company says it needs the extra money because of fewer people and businesses in Eastern Kentucky. But raising rates this high makes it harder for families to live here and for businesses to stay open. We cannot have a conversation about economic growth while making it too expensive for people to live or work here. High power bills do not just hurt families, they hurt the economy of our entire region and threaten our quality of life. Businesses cannot grow, new companies will not move here, and people may be forced to leave in search of more affordable living.
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Additionally, many communities just outside Kentucky Power’s service area pay far less for electricity. Reportedly, sometimes less than half of what we pay here. That means families and businesses in other parts of Kentucky and neighboring states get the same electricity for a fraction of the cost. How can we attract jobs and keep people in Eastern Kentucky if our rates are so high compared to everywhere else.

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According to a complaint filed with the federal government by Attorney General Russell Coleman and the Public Service Commission earlier this year, Kentucky Power’s customers are being asked to pay more than any other electric company in the state. Yet, we receive fewer benefits than the company’s customers in other states. As part of American Electric Power (AEP), Kentucky Power is tied into a multi-state system that funds utility transmission projects across seven states. The problem? We are the smallest market and AEP isn’t investing equally in every state. From 2017 to 2022, Kentucky Power customers ended up subsidizing roughly $66 million in transmission projects outside Kentucky. This is far more than what was invested here at home.

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So, what can we do? Here’s the thing: if we want to make a difference, we have to speak up. Sharing our frustration on Facebook and talking to friends is not enough. The rate request must be approved by the Public Service Commission the state agency that is supposed to regulate utilities and ensure fair rates and reliable service. It is led by three individuals who are appointed by the governor to make decisions. We have to submit comments to the PSC and make sure that our voices are heard. In my experience, the PSC only acts on what it hears directly from the people it serves.

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Right now, the PSC is accepting public comments on this rate increase (Case No. 2025-00257). This is our chance to tell them that enough is enough and that families and small businesses in Eastern Kentucky cannot afford constant rate increases. You can submit a comment online at, psc.ky.gov/Case/SearchCasesPublicComments.

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Every comment counts. The more voices they hear, the harder it is for them to ignore the impact these increases would have. It only takes a few minutes to submit a comment, but it could save your family hundreds of dollars next year. Tell them you want fair rates, that we deserve a chance to grow and that it is not right for our community to pay twice as much as others.

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This fight won’t work without you. If we do not speak up now, the PSC could approve this massive increase, and our neighbors, our children and our local businesses will pay the price. Our voices together are powerful, and together, we can make a difference. Go online, submit your comment and stand up for each other.

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As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at, 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at, Chris.Fugate@kylegislature.gov, and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at, legislature.ky.gov.