THE TEXT OF THE LETTER
American Electric Power is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for rate increases that will amount to a 52 percent increase for residential users and a 62 percent for industrial over the next three years.
AEP reported $1.1 billion in profits in 2007. AEP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Morris has been quoted as stating, “Our earnings for the first nine months of this year are well ahead of where we were for the same period in 2007.”
At the recent hearing at Glenwood Middle School, it was said that AEP, with these increases, will yield another $1 billion.
With information like this coming from AEP, is it fair to ask if these increases are truly necessary?
AEP officials have said they understand that these rate increases would cause some hardships. That statement minimizes the true effects. Increases of this magnitude will cause closings and job loss.
Many residents will have to choose even harder between paying for insurance, needed medicine, groceries, gas for their vehicles and heating their homes. They may well be pushed financially over the edge.
If these rate increases are approved as filed, Stark County and every community in it will suffer. Every community school system will be pushed even further into deficit.
Easing the financial burdens on our residents and saving and creating jobs should be every elected official’s top priority. The Stark County commissioners, Plain, Jackson, Canton and Nimishillen townships, Canton and North Canton have filed objections with the PUCO. I strongly urge those communities that have yet to file an objection to please do so.
Call your elected officials or attend a council or trustee meeting and ask. Send your objection to Alan R. Schriber, PUCO Chairman, 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus OH 43215.
LOUIS P. GIAVASIS, PLAIN TOWNSHIP
PLAIN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
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