AEP E Bill: How Bad Energy Policies Are Driving Up Heating Costs This Winter

As President Biden's executive order revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit two years ago shows, his administration's energy policies have had significant effects on the country. One of the most visible impacts is the skyrocketing cost of heating bills this winter. AEP/APCo customers in southwest Virginia are no exception.

According to a letter sent by the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association to Senate and House leadership in September, nearly 29% of Americans surveyed reported having to reduce or forego basic expenses just to pay an energy bill in the past year. This is not a small number, especially considering that families may have to choose between paying for necessities like food, medicine, or keeping their homes warm.

The situation is particularly dire for those living on tight budgets. In December, AEP/APCo customers voiced concerns about their higher electricity bills through public comment. The company was granted a temporary rate increase in November 2022, stating that they would review the change and make a final decision in early 2023.

Common sense tells us that winter months will see even higher bills due to increased energy usage. AEP/APCo estimates that a Virginia residential customer using 1,000 kWh/month will experience an average increase of $20.17 on their bill as a result of the proposed rate change. The company needs to raise rates to recover approximately $279 million in revenue over a two-year period.

In September, AEP/APCo petitioned the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) to increase its fuel factor – the money necessary to recoup costs for fuel and other expenses. As a result, folks in my district saw their utility bills increase due to a petition filed by American Electric Power (AEP), which operates Appalachian Power Company (APCo).

According to the Energy Information Administration, those who use natural gas to heat their homes this winter will see a cost increase of 28%. Unfortunately, southwest Virginia has also experienced these rising energy costs. This winter, heating bills across the country are expected to increase by 17% – the highest cost in more than a decade.

In conclusion, bad energy and economic policies have driven up energy prices, leading to exorbitant heating bills this winter. AEP/APCo customers in southwest Virginia are not immune to these rising costs. It is essential that we address these issues and find ways to make energy more affordable for all Americans.

Aep e bill