Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Following the submission of over 5,000 community comments from West Virginians, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) has ruled on a proposed rate hike by American Electric Power (AEP). While the impact to customer bills is still unknown, the ruling included several significant hard-fought wins.
Notably, the PSC voted to expand the critical, utility-funded Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) program aimed at helping people avoid shut-offs and to slash customer charges to reconnect after a shut-off in half. The ruling also further requires utilities to weigh the impact of discounted rates for low-income customers in the summer and winter months.
“We are relieved to see that our lowest income neighbors, those experiencing the heaviest burden of high energy costs, will continue to receive support through the Dollar Energy Fund,” said Jim Kotcon, Chair of the West Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club. “Over 5,000 West Virginians agree, no one in our state should have to delay purchases of daily necessities and groceries to keep the lights on. As more is known about the ruling’s rate impacts, we will continue to advocate for affordable energy that protects our pocketbooks, strengthens our grid, and builds toward a sustainable future.”
Although the ruling will end one-for-one “net-metering” credits, the PSC decided to extend the period for solar owners to be “grandfathered” into the program a year longer than originally proposed by AEP, until March 2026. For solar owners who miss the “grandfathering” period, credits will drop to between two-thirds and three-fourths of what they once were, more than proposed by AEP.
“I am disappointed to see the PSC end one-for-one net-metering, a system that has made my own home solar project affordable and accessible," said Michael Winiesdorffer Sr., Sierra Club Member and local home solar owner. “However, the extended sign-on period, and less-than-expected reductions to the credits allow for home solar owners to continue to capitalize on credit for excess electricity sent back to the public grid, a clear win for individual energy freedom and a stronger grid.”
Bill impacts to customers of AEP’s subsidiaries, Wheeling Power (serving Ohio and Marshall Counties), and Appalachian Power (serving much of the southern part of the state) based on the ruling are not immediately known. Over the past 15 years, AEP has more than doubled electric rates for West Virginians, the nation’s third oldest population with the country’s second lowest median income.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.