About 68,000 additional low-income West Virginians would be eligible for discounts on their electric and natural gas bills under legislation backed by AARP West Virginia, the group's leaders said Thursday.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- About 68,000 additional low-income West Virginians would be eligible for discounts on their electric and natural gas bills under legislation backed by AARP West Virginia, the group's leaders said Thursday.
The bill would increase eligibility in the state's Low-Income Utility Rate Discount Program and give year-round discounts to residential customers. The program now reduces monthly bills by 20 percent from December through March.
"The drivers of higher electricity rates - the cost of coal, environmental requirements, the revenue from sales outside the state to other utilities - are things the Legislature can't control," said Byron Harris, who heads the Public Service Commission's Consumer Advocate Division. "So we're trying to find ways we can actually help people as much as we can."
Under the bill, West Virginians would qualify for 20 percent discounts on their electric and gas bills if they receive supplemental security income, temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance or Social Security disability insurance.
About 37,000 West Virginias are now eligible for utility bill discounts.
"This bill would increase the number of folks eligible," said Delegate Jim Morgan, D-Cabell, who recently introduced the legislation. "This will be a great boon for folks who really need the help."
The utilities get state tax credits to recover the revenue the companies lose from discounting customers' monthly bills. The expanded program could cost the state $2.8 million to $20 million a year, depending on how many customers apply for discounts and the number of months the state provides reduced rates.
Rising utility rates have hit West Virginia seniors on fixed incomes especially hard, AARP leaders said during a Thursday press conference.
"We've heard from thousands of the state's utility customers about the challenges they're facing in paying their monthly bills," said Gaylene Miller, AARP's West Virginia director.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- About 68,000 additional low-income West Virginians would be eligible for discounts on their electric and natural gas bills under legislation backed by AARP West Virginia, the group's leaders said Thursday.
The bill would increase eligibility in the state's Low-Income Utility Rate Discount Program and give year-round discounts to residential customers. The program now reduces monthly bills by 20 percent from December through March.
"The drivers of higher electricity rates - the cost of coal, environmental requirements, the revenue from sales outside the state to other utilities - are things the Legislature can't control," said Byron Harris, who heads the Public Service Commission's Consumer Advocate Division. "So we're trying to find ways we can actually help people as much as we can."
Under the bill, West Virginians would qualify for 20 percent discounts on their electric and gas bills if they receive supplemental security income, temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance or Social Security disability insurance.
About 37,000 West Virginias are now eligible for utility bill discounts.
"This bill would increase the number of folks eligible," said Delegate Jim Morgan, D-Cabell, who recently introduced the legislation. "This will be a great boon for folks who really need the help."
The utilities get state tax credits to recover the revenue the companies lose from discounting customers' monthly bills. The expanded program could cost the state $2.8 million to $20 million a year, depending on how many customers apply for discounts and the number of months the state provides reduced rates.
Rising utility rates have hit West Virginia seniors on fixed incomes especially hard, AARP leaders said during a Thursday press conference.
"We've heard from thousands of the state's utility customers about the challenges they're facing in paying their monthly bills," said Gaylene Miller, AARP's West Virginia director.
Appalachian Power has increased rates significantly in recent years, while Mountaineer Gas rates have declined.
Appalachian Power spokeswoman Jeri Matheney said the company supports the expansion of the discount program.
"We know that our low-income customers need help with their bills all year round, not just in winter," Matheney said. "[The company] is made whole through B&O [business and occupation] tax credits, so it has no effect on [overall] customer rates."
Also Thursday, AARP West Virginia announced support for legislation that strengthens "power of attorney" laws, which authorize an individual to represent another person in private affairs and legal matters. Ten states already have a Uniform Power of Attorney Act, said Angela Vance, AARP's legislative liaison. The uniform law makes power of attorney forms more consistent and binding.
"It ensures the decisions you make are carried out," Vance said.
AARP also is backing a bill that promotes roadway construction that incorporates sidewalks, bike paths and accommodations for people who use public transportation. The "complete streets" legislation would formally adopt state Division of Highways transportation design policies already on the books.
Supporters say the bill would improve safety and allow older adults to stay healthy and live in their homes longer.
"It's fundamental to community development and the way we treat people in communities," said Nancy Peoples Guthrie, D-Kanawha. "Every time you put a sidewalk in, and make it easier to get from point 'A' to point 'B,' you increase the attractiveness of a community."
Reach Eric Eyre at erice...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4869.
