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Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: January 5, 2011
Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre
Sen. Jim Wilson
Opposition Grows Towards AEP’s Plan to Raise Rates
Senators Eason McIntyre and Wilson Join Rep. Proctor’s
Call to Halt Rising Utility Rates
Senator Judy Eason McIntyre and Senator Jim Wilson joined the call
on the Corporation Commission to reject another rate hike request
from Ohio-based AEP-PSO
“It’s our sincere hope that the Corporation Commissioners
are aware of the many families and seniors that are struggling to
make ends meet and put food on the table. This rate hike is reckless
and will hinder Oklahoma’s ability to rebound from our current
recession. If approved, this rate hike will take money out of the
pockets of hardworking Oklahomans,” said Wilson, D-Tahlequah.
“These hard working Oklahomans are asking me, how many more
rate increases can they expect.”
“An increase at this time is unwarranted. AEP-PSO increased
utilities in early 2009 by $82 million, which does not include the
temporary $30 million annual capital reliability rider, and now
AEP wants this temporary fee to be made permanent,” said Eason
McIntyre, D-Tulsa. “Making the $30 million capital rider fee
permanent only puts more pressure on our seniors who are facing
enough hard choices stretching their budgets on a fixed income.
This rate hike is ill timed and will hurt Oklahoma families.”
“Rep. Proctor and I share the belief that people should come
before politics. I encourage all Oklahomans to voice their feelings
and call their Corporation Commissioners,” said Eason McIntyre.
Citizens can reach the Corporation Commissioners at 1-800-522-8154.
The Ohio-based AEP-PSO has over a 500,000 customers in eastern
Oklahoma and western Arkansas. The parent company's net income last
year totaled over $1.3 billion on nearly $13.5 billion in total
revenue.
For more information contact:
Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre: (405) 521-5598
Sen. Jim Wilson: (405) 521-5574

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