Dianne Garrett reports on threatened AEP electric rate increases.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is conducting a Public Hearing to find out what you have to say about proposed changes to your power company's rates and services.

The Hearing scheduled for your community will be the final chance to tell policy makers about the burden of escalating electricity rates will have on your household and vulnerable residents in your community.

You will be asked to print your name and complete address on a sign-in sheet located in the hearing room. The statement you make at the hearing is considered sworn testimony, which will be considered part of the official record of the case to be reviewed by the Commissioners before they make their final decision.

Before presenting sworn testimony, you will be required to take an oath stating that what you are about to say is the truth. Representatives of the company and other parties will be allowed to ask you questions about your statement while you are under oath. If you have a prepared written statement, it would be helpful for you to provide a copy to the court reporter.

American Electric Power has proposed a plan that could increase rates by 45 percent over the next three years. The company has also asked to delay the collection of costs that would result in increases of more than 15 percent in any one year, which could drive up customers' bills for years into the future.

The dates and locations:

October 21, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.
PUCO
180 East Broad Street
Hearing Room 11-C
Columbus, Ohio 43215

October 27, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Whetstone Park of Roses Shelter House
3901 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Reported by Dianne Garrett for Bexley Public Radio.

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Design is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.