WSLS-TV reported on Nov. 3-2011 that the State Corporation Commission has approved Appalachian Power's request to collect more money every month to pay for renewable energy. Reference: www2.wsls.com

Applachian Power gets small rate hike approved for renewable energy By: WSLS-TV Staff Reports Published: November 03, 2011 ROANOKE, VA -- The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved Appalachian Power's (APCo) request to collect slightly more money every month, to help pay for a renewable energy program, but it won't impact your bill as much as you may fear. In a news release sent Thursday evening, the SCC said it will allow APCo to "recover $6.3 million in costs for participation in a renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) program." The SCC stated that "it is reasonable to recover the non-incremental costs of the Camp Grove and Fowler Ridge purchase power agreements through the company's fuel factor." According to APCo spokesman Todd Burns, the wind power purchases that Appalachian Power makes out of state qualify for the Virginia program. The money goes for the premium that APCo pays for wind generate power over the cost of other fuels, such as coal. Burns said residential customers who average using 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month, should see an increase in the fuel factor portion of their bill of about 47 cents, or one-half of a percent. The new increase takes effect on February 1, 2012. Reference: www2.wsls.com