February 4, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
Greetings from the Capitol, with apologies for a late “buzz”. Outrunning the snow going home on Friday and plowing through it coming back this past Sunday kept me busy. Our committees have had to do extra work to process the thousands of pieces of legislation that need to complete before Crossover. Needless to say, we have been busy. Despite the hectic pace, the past week started on a high note when my pastor, Steve Ridenhour, of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wytheville offered our opening prayer for Session.
With out a doubt, the most pressing issue of concern of my constituents is the rate increase by Appalachian Power Company. Our office, like other legislators from our area, has heard from hundreds of people on the issue. I’m happy to announce that relief will soon be on the way for people struggling to pay their electric bills. APCo is prepared to suspend its interim rate increases as early as next week.
A bi-partisan group of area legislators held several meetings over the past two weeks to bring forth a possible solution. Yesterday, it was announced that legislation would be brought forth that would stop APCo’s current interim rate increase and prohibit any future increases until approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). The legislation, which should pass both houses and be signed by Governor McDonnell next week, would immediately end the current interim rate hike. It would require the SCC to rule on Appalachian Power’s base rate request by July 15 and for new rates to take effect August 1.
Although this action will result in some near term relief, there are still concerns with Virginia’s electric utility regulation that must be addressed. This bill will stop the practice of utilities charging rate increases before they are approved by the State. However, we must continually look at fuel, regulatory costs, and profitability structures that have dramatic impacts on consumers.
Since the current rate increase is still pending, I encourage you, your family and friends to contact the State Corporation Commission directly in opposition to the rate hike. Written comments on the proposal must be submitted by March 3, 2010. All correspondence should be sent to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118, and refer to case number PUE-2009-00030.
You can also go online and submit comments electronically at the SCC’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Click on the PUBLIC COMMENTS/NOTICES link and then the SUBMIT COMMENTS button for case number PUE-2009-00030. You can also call 1-800-552-7945.
If you need assistance with paying your power bill, Appalachian Power has set up a customer service unit specifically for Virginia residents. You can reach them at 1-866-276-5831 or visit them online at www.appalachianpower.com and www.dollarenergy.org. In one of our meetings, Dana Waldo, president and chief operating officer of AEP, assured us no one would be disconnected as long as they worked with the company on some type of payment option. I encourage anyone struggling to pay to their bill to contact APCo to work out a plan. If APCo does not work with you, please contact my office and I will hold the company accountable.
One of the most enjoyable parts of every week in Richmond is meeting with the many people that make the journey from the Sixth District to our Richmond office. The past two weeks were no exception. We were visited by Treasurers and Commissioners of Revenue from all over the state including, Wythe County Treasurer Sam Crockett and Bland County Commissioner Cindy Wright of Revenue from the Sixth District. Robert Givens and James Riffe both visited from Giles County to discuss issues regarding funeral services. Members from our area Farm Bureaus were well represented in Richmond. Those members included Bill and Della Osborne and Eric Whitesell of Tazewell, Jerry and Peggy Spraker of Wythe, and Joe Guthrie of Pulaski.
Pulaski Town Police Chief Gary Roche and Giles County Sheriff’s Deputies Scott Moye and Joe Shanks were representatives of local law enforcement. We were also honored to have a group representing the Chamber of Commerce and local government from Pulaski County. Scott Arnett, Peggy White, Claudia Cervantes, Hiawatha Nicely, Angie Covey, Betty Montgomery, Judy Ison, Peter Huber, Ranny Akers and Dr. Tom Brewster were all part of the group.
We’ve had groups of students from local and state colleges including Bluefield, Virginia Tech and Bridgewater. Dr. John Knarr came from Pulaski to discuss health care issues, while Stephen Dehart and Charlie Mullis visited as well. Podiatrists from across the Commonwealth came to Capitol Hill for the first time to speak to their issues. I was glad to welcome Dr. Ted Johnson and his wife, Dr. Janet Bechtel of Wytheville with the group.
As always feel free to call us at 804-698-1006 or e-mail at delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov if you have any issues or concerns.
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