| Customers are going to be paying more for electricity, with companies saying it's because of the high price of coal.
Future rate increases are already on the board.
The state Public Service Commission has granted an 11.3 percent increase that will go into effect July 1st to Appalachian Power, and the same increases for Wheeling Power, both subsidiaries of American Electric Power.
The companies had requested a 17 percent increase.
Appalachian Power provides service to southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. Wheeling Power provides service to parts of the state's northern panhandle.
The state Public Service Commission says it will make a decision on the latest rate hike request from West Virginia American Water Company by March 26, 2009.
American Water wants a new 14% increase. The company received a 14% increase last year, affecting their 160,000 customers.
If granted, the state's water customers will have their bills climb 28% in a year or so.
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