Virginia State Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark, R-Wythe, joined a bi-partisan coalition of 14 area state  legislators over concern of Appalachian Power’s rate increase proposal before the State Corporation Commission (SCC).  The legislators publicly requested that AEP drop its proposed rate increase request during this time of economic crisis with so many citizens losing jobs.

“We have joined together to ask the State Corporation Commission to reject Appalachian Power’s 13 percent rate increase proposal. AEP just received a 31.3 percent increase last year,” Crockett-Stark said. “These requests are too much for hard working people that are struggling in difficult times.”

On June 1, the group held press conferences in Abingdon and Wytheville to inform the public of how they can get involved. The legislators encouraged all citizens concerned about their electric bills to contact the SCC and voice their opposition to the rate increase.

People who want to send written comments to the SCC can address them to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118, and refer to case number PUE-2009-00038.

The public can also submit comments electronically at the SCC’s Web site. Click on the PUBLIC COMMENTS/NOTICES link and then the SUBMIT COMMENTS button for case number PUE-2009-00038.

Legislators unveiled a new Web site where people can learn more information and submit comments that will be sent to the SCC.

“We want to make sure people know which ways they can contact the SCC,” Crockett-Stark said.