DISCUSSION: PERRY TOWNSHIP JOINS STARK COUNTY GOVERNMENTS FIGHTING AEP; SO DO OSNABURG TWP & LOUISVILLE,: WILL THERE BE OTHERS?

Perry Township joins the list of Stark County governments looking out for the rank-in-file citizen. Moreover, the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) has learned that Osnaburg Township and Louisville have also weighed in with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio objecting the the size of the AEP (locally, Ohio Power) requested increase over the next three years.

The essence of the Osnaburg resolution is as follows:

WHEREAS, American Electric Power (AEP), which services the residences and businesses in Osnaburg Township, Stark County, Ohio, has requested that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approve increasing its electricity rates each of the next three (3) years, and

WHEREAS, the AEP rate increase proposal calls for a fifteen percent (15%) residential rate increase in each of those three (3)years, which, when compounded, wi1l increase the electricity rates of Osnaburg Township residents by 52 percent (52%) by 2011, and

WHEREAS, the compounded rate of increase for commercial and industrial customers would amount to
a 62 percent (62%) increase, and

WHEREAS, the AEP proposal does not cover any additional transmission cost increases, which may be requested separately, and

WHEREAS, AEP also requests that the PUCO authorize various riders and surcharges over and above the 15 percent (15%) annual increases for future cost recovery, and

WHEREAS, Osnaburg Township citizens and businesses, facing uncertain economic times fraught with increased expenses and declining pay and revenue, should not be burdened by excessive costs caused by this proposed rate increase.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Osnaburg Township Board of Trustees to hereby officially oppose this unreasonable rate increase for its residents and businesses being proposed by AEP, and requests the PUCO to require and ensure that any rate increase granted is logically derived, reasonable, justified, necessary and in the best interests of utility users in Osnaburg Township, Stark County and the State of Ohio.

The question now is: Will other Stark County local governments be stepping up to fight for everyday citizens?