Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Press Room

Contact: Anthony Rodriguez (614) 466-9547

Public hearings scheduled for modified AEP rate increase

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Apr. 16, 2012 – American Electric Power (AEP) customers will get the opportunity to provide their insights into the company's electric security plan after the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) scheduled four public hearings late Friday.

The hearings have been scheduled as follows:

Canton
April 26, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Oakwood Middle School
2300 Schneider Road, N.E.

Columbus
April 30, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Wolfe Park Shelter House
105 Park Drive

Chillicothe
May 1, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Ohio University – Chillicothe,
Bennett Hall Auditorium
101 University Drive

Lima
May 3, 2012 at 6 p.m.
Lima Municipal Center,
City Council Chambers
50 Town Square, 1st floor

American Electric Power filed a modified rate increase proposal Mar. 30 after the PUCO rejected its rate increase in February.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is in the midst of reviewing the impact of AEP's proposal on residential customers. Generally, the OCC will advocate for rates that are reasonable for AEP residential customers, and that they have effective choice in retail electric competition. Additionally, the OCC shared concerns with the PUCO March 6 about AEP's proposal that could have significant impacts on residential rates.

Formal comments and recommendations from the OCC are scheduled to be filed May 4 as outlined by the PUCO.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues. For more information, please visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.