One of West Virginia's major utilities, Appalachian Power, is proposing a more than 13% rate hike, along with cuts to its current net metering rate for solar users.
Residents' monthly bills have already jumped more than $40 since 2019.
Courtney MacDonald, coalition coordinator for the nonprofit West Virginians for Energy Freedom, said customers are shelling out more and more of their income on energy bills, while being squeezed by rising food prices and cost of living.
"There would be an overall monthly bill increase of $23.74 per month for an average user, consumer," MacDonald pointed out. "That's very significant."
Electricity bills in West Virginia have increased by 135% in the last decade, according to the West Virginia Citizen Action Group. The utility said the increase is needed to maintain its network, accommodating growing energy demands, and integrating new energy sources.
MacDonald expects a public hearing on the case this summer. There are already thousands of public comments, and residents can submit more through the West Virginians for Energy Freedom website.
"People can and should be submitting comments right now to the docket, and we do have a very easy way for people to do that," MacDonald added.
Currently, Mountain State customers with rooftop solar receive a credit for any excess energy their systems produce, known as net metering. The utility is now asking the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to cut its crediting rates for solar owners.
MacDonald believes it would be a blow to the state's budding renewable energy industry.
"It really has created more jobs, it has created a more robust and resilient energy system and allowed people to have a little bit more freedom and control over their bills," MacDonald emphasized.
A 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center said 63% of Americans support the nation taking steps to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and most said the focus should be on developing renewable energy.
Pushback against proposed AEP rate hike grows in WV