Kentucky Power, a subsidiary of AEP, has filed a rate case application that seeks to raise annual revenues by $70 million (12.48%), an increase that it claims is necessary “to meet increasing EPA demands,” and to cover the costs of expanded tree trimming and the utility’s share of a coal-fired power plant purchased last year. Significantly, Kentucky Power is proposing to double its fixed monthly charge — from $8 to $16 — for residential customers, and to raise its fixed monthly charge for small general service by 70%, from $11.50 to $19.50. Its proposal would raise a typical residential customer’s average monthly bill by around $22.

Kentucky Power provides electric service to ~172,000 customers in all or parts of 20 eastern Kentucky counties.