PUCO orders AEP to restore rates to Dec. 2011 levels
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The Highland County Chamber of Commerce was in attendance today as the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) met in Columbus to address the extreme increases in AEP electric bills throughout Highland County and other areas of the state.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today disapproved AEP – Ohio Electric Security Plan (ESP) as it was outlined in a settlement agreement submitted by 21 of 31 parties to the case. Upon consideration of arguments raised by parties who did not sign the settlement agreement and upon becoming aware of the actual impacts of the agreements, the commission found that approving the agreement does not benefit rate payers and is not in the public interest.
The commission has ordered AEP to return its rates, as mandated by Ohio law, to levels similar to those in place in December 2011. These rates will remain in place until a new rate plan is adopted.
"We appreciate the PUCO meeting so quickly to address this situation," said Katy Farber, president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. "We are pleased to know that our business community will be able to gradually absorb any increases that are necessary and not be financially threatened as they were in the original agreement."
"The Highland County Chamber of Commerce will continue to be an active advocate for our member businesses," Farber said.
The Highland County Chamber of Commerce has been an active advocate for our business community regarding this issue. Beginning with a meeting with PUCO and state Representative Cliff Rosenberger on Feb. 3 through today’s PUCO meeting, the Chamber has been leading the conversation to affect positive change for local business community, and will continue to be involved in this issue.
“This is an example of a community’s ability to effect policy as a united front," Rep. Rosenberger said. "Highland County citizens were at the pointed edge of a spear to ensure that all Ohioans can have affordable communities to live and work in. I can’t say thank you enough to all those who stood up.
"The PUCO understood the importance of their decision and its resounding impact on those effected ratepayers, and its effect on our ability to create a better business climate for our economy. PUCO’s decision to return the rates to a sustainable level is the right decision, I will be watching the case’s future hearings to avoid a similar situation.”[[In-content Ad]]
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today disapproved AEP – Ohio Electric Security Plan (ESP) as it was outlined in a settlement agreement submitted by 21 of 31 parties to the case. Upon consideration of arguments raised by parties who did not sign the settlement agreement and upon becoming aware of the actual impacts of the agreements, the commission found that approving the agreement does not benefit rate payers and is not in the public interest.
The commission has ordered AEP to return its rates, as mandated by Ohio law, to levels similar to those in place in December 2011. These rates will remain in place until a new rate plan is adopted.
"We appreciate the PUCO meeting so quickly to address this situation," said Katy Farber, president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce. "We are pleased to know that our business community will be able to gradually absorb any increases that are necessary and not be financially threatened as they were in the original agreement."
Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings and Highland County Commissioner Tom Horst also attended the event.
"The system worked," Hastings said. "They went out of their way to say how they arrived at their decision, to show that they were empathetic to us. I was impressed. All of us were a little taken aback. There was applause in the room when they announced it. The system works."
Horst said that he would continue to encourage area resident to contact the PUCO with issues regarding AEP rates, or to forward the information to the Highland County Commissioners Office.
"The Highland County Chamber of Commerce will continue to be an active advocate for our member businesses," Farber said.
The Highland County Chamber of Commerce has been an active advocate for our business community regarding this issue. Beginning with a meeting with PUCO and state Representative Cliff Rosenberger on Feb. 3 through today’s PUCO meeting, the Chamber has been leading the conversation to affect positive change for local business community, and will continue to be involved in this issue.
“This is an example of a community’s ability to effect policy as a united front," Rep. Rosenberger said. "Highland County citizens were at the pointed edge of a spear to ensure that all Ohioans can have affordable communities to live and work in. I can’t say thank you enough to all those who stood up.
"The PUCO understood the importance of their decision and its resounding impact on those effected ratepayers, and its effect on our ability to create a better business climate for our economy. PUCO’s decision to return the rates to a sustainable level is the right decision, I will be watching the case’s future hearings to avoid a similar situation.”[[In-content Ad]]