RICHMOND, Va. – A bill has been filed in the 2025 Viginia General to give AEP (Appalachian Electric Power) customers an option to select another provider under some circumstances.
State Sen. Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell County, filed the bill, called the AEP Accountability Act. If passed, it will allow residential customers whose electric bills are more than 25 percent above the statewide average to start the process of choosing a different electricity provider.
“For customers of AEP, opening their monthly utility bill gives them feelings of anxiety, fear, and anger. Over the past four years AEP rates have increased over 100%. I have met with top AEP officials to ask them to stop this unconscionable rate increase process that has become what seems to be a runaway train. My arguments, frustrations, and pleas have fallen on deaf ears.”
Hackworth said AEP customers should have options to purchase electricity and not be “held hostage.”
State Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Washington County, is co-patron of the bill and he said AEP provides the “most expensive electricity for one of the most vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth – the people of Southwest Virginia.”
“Right now, there’s nothing that customers can do about it. We need options and this bill opens up opportunities so that people can feel relief in their wallets. AEP needs to realize that their competitors are providing the same service for much less money. And if they want to continue serving our population in Southwest Virginia, they need to find ways to lower their rates to the statewide average,” Pillion said.
The level of 25 percent above the statewide average would be determined by the State Corporation Commission and AEP would be given a 90-day notice by customers prior to selecting a different provider.
WVVA has reached out to AEP and a company representative said a response will be released.
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