PUC OKs Program to Help Pike County Cope With 129% Electric Cost Increase
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Because a growing number of Pike County Light & Power consumers are seeking help with their bills, the Public Utility Commission this week reinstated the Pike County Light & Power's Low Income Pilot Program. " "The spike in electric prices in The Commission also directed the company to continue providing assistance to qualifying Pike consumers through its Neighbor Fund, increasing the benefit by $200 for residential electric customers and by $300 for heat customers. The Neighbor Fund provides crisis grants to customers who are unable to pay their electric bills. The Commission is continuing with its fact-finding inquiry into the competitive electric market in Electricity rate caps are due to come off consumer bills in most areas of the state in 2010, along with the removal of stranded costs imposed as part of deregulation to allow utilities to recover the cost of their nuclear power plants. The difference between these charges in some areas of the state could result in increases in electricity rates anywhere from zero to 40 or 50 percent. Power companies going into the competitive market to buy electricity have seen rates jump from 55 to 59 percent in PUC Consumer Advocate Sonny Popowsky told the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee recently that if the PUC does not take steps now to mitigate the impact of rate increases after the caps are removed, electricity rates could increase by over 50 percent. NewsClip: Electric Costs Could Soar After Lifting of Rate Caps PUC Looks Into Pike County Electricity Price Increase Issue |
4/7/2006 |
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