June 15, 2005 - Monongahela Power

by Jennifer Garrison
Jun. 16, 2005

For immediate release
Contact: Danielle Nelson
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
(614) 644-8728

Garrison Says Joint Efforts Pay Off for Allegheny Customers_________

State Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-93rd District) is pleased with recent progress made regarding the future of electric rates in Washington County. With the statement issued by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), Monongahela Power Company is directed to begin discussions with American Electric Power, regarding transfer of Mon Power's Ohio service territory to AEP. This territory covers southeastern Ohio in the area of Washington County.

Monongahela Power, a subdivision of Allegheny Energy, did not agree to enter into a plan to insure stable electric rates. Mon Power's electric rates were estimated to increase by as much as 71% at the end of 2005.

Mon Power's refusal to enter into a rate stabilization plan was met with scrutiny among members of the General Assembly, particularly Garrison and Jimmy Stewart, both State Representatives of Washington County. In response to what potentially may have been the creation of a monopoly of electric service, Garrison and Stewart proposed House Bill 14, joining in what Garrison called an effort to, "protect the people of Washington County from drastic increases in their electric rates and protect jobs in southeast Ohio."

Garrison says that, "the PUCO decision is a step in the right direction for providing stable rates to the customers of Allegheny Power, including the multiple plants and businesses in Washington County.

Under the Ohio Certified Electric Territories Act, PUCO may transfer a portion of one electric utility's territory to another when deemed to be in the public's interest. The two providers must now jointly file a report detailing outcomes of their discussions within two weeks of today.