PSC concern Letter to senator and representative

 [Date]

The Honorable [Representative’s Name]  

Kentucky House of Representatives  

[Address]

The Honorable [Senator’s Name]  

Kentucky State Senate  

[Address]

Dear Representative [Last Name] and / or Senator [Last Name],

We, the citizens and ratepayers of the AEP Kentucky Power service territory, write to you to express urgent concern regarding the actions of the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) under KRS Chapter 278, which establishes the Commission’s duties, powers, and obligations to protect the public interest in utility regulation.

Over multiple cases brought before the PSC, the Commission has approved significant rate increases, riders, and surcharges for AEP Kentucky Power. These approvals have occurred despite overwhelming public opposition, extensive written comments, and testimony from families, businesses, and local governments across Eastern Kentucky. Each time, citizens have made clear that these increases impose severe economic hardship on communities already facing some of the highest poverty rates and lowest household incomes in the Commonwealth.

Under KRS 278.040, the PSC is required to regulate utilities in a manner that is “fair, just and reasonable.” Under KRS 278.030, rates must be “reasonable” and must not impose undue burdens on customers. Yet the pattern of approvals granted by the Commission has created widespread concern that these statutory standards are not being upheld. Many Kentuckians believe that the PSC’s decisions no longer reflect the economic realities of the region or the clear, documented objections of the people most affected.

Furthermore, KRS 278.250 and related provisions establish the right of affected parties—including citizens and their elected representatives—to challenge PSC actions that appear inconsistent with statutory obligations. As our elected officials, you hold both the authority and the responsibility to intervene when a state agency is perceived to be acting outside the intent of the law or failing to protect the public interest.

For these reasons, we respectfully request that you:

- Pursue an injunction to pause or limit the current authorities exercised by the sitting members of the Kentucky Public Service Commission under KRS Chapter 278, pending review of their adherence to statutory duties.  

- Initiate a legislative review of PSC appointments, qualifications, and decision‑making practices to determine whether current commissioners are fulfilling their obligations under KRS 278.040, KRS 278.030, and related statutes.  

- Exercise your authority to intervene, as permitted under Kentucky law, to ensure that future rate cases reflect the economic conditions of Eastern Kentucky and the expressed will of the communities served by AEP Kentucky Power.  

Families in the AEP Kentucky Power service area are struggling under repeated rate increases that they cannot afford. Small businesses, schools, and local governments are being forced to divert limited resources to cover rising utility costs. The people of Eastern Kentucky deserve a regulatory process that listens to them, values their input, and follows the statutes designed to protect them.

We ask you to stand with your constituents and take immediate action to restore accountability, transparency, and public confidence in the regulatory process established by KRS Chapter 278. Intervention by our elected officials is not only warranted—it is urgently needed to safeguard the welfare of the communities you represent.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued service to the people of Kentucky.

Respectfully,