Kentucky Power Rate Hike Sparks Outcry in Perry County Communities
Residents packed a Dec. 18 Public Service Commission meeting in Hazard to oppose Kentucky Power’s proposed 14.9 percent increase for residential customers, warning of deep strain on households recovering from floods and long term economic change. The debate matters locally because higher bills could push vulnerable families and medically dependent residents into crisis, and regulators will take more public input before hearings begin in Frankfort.
The Kentucky Public Service Commission held its second public comment meeting in Hazard on Dec. 18, drawing residents, lawmakers, business owners and local leaders to air concerns about a proposed 14.9 percent increase in residential electric rates from Kentucky Power. Those who spoke described steep bills already and warned the new proposal would compound financial pressure across Perry County and the surrounding mountain communities.
Voices at the meeting described everyday hardships and a fear that more increases will deepen inequality in a region still recovering from recent floods and the long decline of local coal fired generation. “I think it is ridiculous what the power company is doing,” one customer told commissioners. State Representative Chris Fugate, who also serves as a pastor in Perry County, recounted a parishioner who could not pay her bill. “She said preacher, I need to talk to you about something. And I knew what it was about. She couldn’t pay her power bill this month,” Fugate said.
Speakers stressed that this is not the first increase in recent years and that many households are already on the brink. “When we talk about raising the rate on these people, you are talking about raising the rates on some of the most vulnerable people in this country,” one speaker said. Families with medically dependent members underscored the stakes. Corey Napier told the commission her mother uses oxygen and sometimes cannot afford current bills. “It shouldn’t even be an issue around here because people struggle. We’ve had floods and everything and people are trying to recover from that. Let alone have to pay $400 or $500 electric bills,” Napier said.
Angie Hatton, chair of the PSC, acknowledged public concern and said commissioners are listening and will review filings carefully while recognizing utilities face rising costs. The PSC will host a final public meeting on Jan 8 at 5 p.m. at the Ashland Transportation Center. Formal hearings in Frankfort will begin Tuesday Jan 13. Those unable to attend in person may submit comments online, by email to PSC.comment@ky.gov, or by mail to 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, KY 40601. Comments should include the commenter’s name, address, and Case No. 2025 00257.
For Perry County residents the commission process offers a last chance to shape the outcome that could affect household budgets, local businesses and health care access across the mountains.
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