Kentucky Power Seeks 14.62 Percent Rate Increase, Public Meetings Set

Kentucky Power filed for a 14.62 percent rate increase that would raise the average residential monthly bill from approximately $183.37 to $210.67, and commercial customers would see increases of roughly 13 to 15 percent. The Kentucky Public Service Commission will hear public comments at two remaining in person meetings, on Dec. 18 in Hazard at the Perry County Courthouse, 481 Main Street, 2nd Floor at 5 p.m., and on Jan. 8 in Ashland at the Ashland Transportation Center, 99 15th Street at 5 p.m. The first of three meetings took place Nov. 20 in Pikeville.

Kentucky Power has cited rising costs, planned investments in equipment, preparations for new generation, and a shrinking customer base in eastern Kentucky as reasons for the requested increase. The filing affects customers across many eastern Kentucky counties including Perry. Residents who cannot attend may submit written comments through the Public Service Commission website at psc.ky.gov, or by mailed or emailed submissions that reference case number 2025-00257.

This proposal arrives on the heels of other recent rate actions that have already raised bills for local customers. In July the commission approved a 6.37 percent securitized surcharge tied to retirement of the Big Sandy plant and storm related costs, a surcharge that added about $14 to the average residential bill. A January 2024 increase of 5.66 percent had been previously approved after an earlier request. Taken together, these adjustments have increased the cost of electricity for households and businesses in Perry County and neighboring communities.

The practical impact on Perry County is twofold. For households the proposed increase will reduce disposable income and tighten budgets already strained by rising prices in other sectors. For local businesses the added energy costs may raise operating expenses, potentially slowing hiring, investment, or expansion plans. The filing also raises broader policy questions about how utilities recover costs, how investments are prioritized, and how regulators weigh customer protections against company financial needs.

The Public Service Commission process offers residents a formal avenue to influence the outcome. Public comment meetings and written submissions are part of the record that regulators will consider. Participation by Perry County residents will shape the commission's evaluation of the proposed increase and its implications for ratepayers across eastern Kentucky.