ONN interviews Hillsboro business owner on AEP rates
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
In an economy that has has already been difficult for small businesses, a major unexpected expense can have a devastating effect.
Brent Huffman, owner of Beech Street On Main, said his electric bill went up 150 percent between the months of December and January, with a more than doubled kilowatt usage.
"It went from $214 to $497," Huffman told The Highland County Press. "I just round that up to $500."
Shocked at the increase after opening his January bill, Huffman said he started talking to his fellow Uptown Hillsboro business owners, and he found that he was not alone.
He has spoken with AEP, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and elected officials including the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Jean Schmidt, Mike Turner, Cliff Rosenberger and Dave Daniels.
"We're trying to draw attention to this," Huffman said. "We can't sustain this, with bills that high. That is thousands of dollars a year."
[[In-content Ad]]On Wednesday morning, Huffman was interviewed by the Ohio News Network on the increase and what it means for his business.
Huffman said that he has tried to be very involved in the Uptown Hillsboro revitalization, as a member of the Hillsboro Uptown Business Association, the Highland County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and a general supporter of local businesses.
"It's scary," Huffman said. "It's scary because I don't want to see myself or my neighbors go out of business. If my neighbors start going out of business, that is going to affect the foot traffic into my store here."
For the last two years, Huffman has been creating quality custom candles with a local flair called Beech Street Candleworks. In May 2011 he opened his own shop, Beech Street On Main, which specializes in products and artwork from local and regional artisans.
"Someone needs to stand up for small businesses," Huffman said. "Small businesses are the backbone of this state and the backbone of this economy. We're looking at everything now. Everybody had been working so hard, and we were seeing such an improvement in the economy. No huge leaps and bounds, but a steady increase in the local shops and businesses that have opened up. I don't want to see an erosion of what we have worked so hard for."
For more on Huffman, and the ongoing news with the AEP rate increases, check back to www.highlandcountypress.com.
Brent Huffman, owner of Beech Street On Main, said his electric bill went up 150 percent between the months of December and January, with a more than doubled kilowatt usage.
"It went from $214 to $497," Huffman told The Highland County Press. "I just round that up to $500."
Shocked at the increase after opening his January bill, Huffman said he started talking to his fellow Uptown Hillsboro business owners, and he found that he was not alone.
He has spoken with AEP, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and elected officials including the Highland County Board of Commissioners, Jean Schmidt, Mike Turner, Cliff Rosenberger and Dave Daniels.
"We're trying to draw attention to this," Huffman said. "We can't sustain this, with bills that high. That is thousands of dollars a year."
[[In-content Ad]]On Wednesday morning, Huffman was interviewed by the Ohio News Network on the increase and what it means for his business.
Huffman said that he has tried to be very involved in the Uptown Hillsboro revitalization, as a member of the Hillsboro Uptown Business Association, the Highland County Convention and Visitor's Bureau and a general supporter of local businesses.
"It's scary," Huffman said. "It's scary because I don't want to see myself or my neighbors go out of business. If my neighbors start going out of business, that is going to affect the foot traffic into my store here."
For the last two years, Huffman has been creating quality custom candles with a local flair called Beech Street Candleworks. In May 2011 he opened his own shop, Beech Street On Main, which specializes in products and artwork from local and regional artisans.
"Someone needs to stand up for small businesses," Huffman said. "Small businesses are the backbone of this state and the backbone of this economy. We're looking at everything now. Everybody had been working so hard, and we were seeing such an improvement in the economy. No huge leaps and bounds, but a steady increase in the local shops and businesses that have opened up. I don't want to see an erosion of what we have worked so hard for."
For more on Huffman, and the ongoing news with the AEP rate increases, check back to www.highlandcountypress.com.