| By Bob Weaver
The WV Public Service Commission is allowing American Electric Power's two West Virginia subsidiaries to raise rates to help pay what the power company is calling conservation programs.
Spokesperson Sarah Robertson says rates will rise less than 50 cents a month for most customers of Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power.
Opponents of the increase said it is strange for a company to charge customers $6-$15 annually to help them save money on their electric bills.
The companies will generate an extra $6.1 million in revenue in saving their customers money.
They originally sought $16.7 million.
The money goes to programs for home energy audits and rebates for efficient light bulbs and appliances.
The AEP programs are to begin March 11.
The PSC approved an AEP rate hike of 8.1 percent back in June.
The company has nearly 440,000 customers in 24 WV counties.
See related story ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE 77% IN THREE YEARS - AARP Opposing Requests, Consumers Will See Increase With PATH project, Scary WV Facts
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