Press Release

March 7, 2012

Contact: Cathy Kunkel, (304) 237-3802, energyefficientwestvirginia@gmail.com

Public Forum Focuses on Electric Utilities and Energy Efficiency Programs

“Real Solutions to Rising Electric Rates,” a public forum on electric utilities, rising rates and approaches to energy efficiency, will be held Wednesday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cabell County Library in Huntington, W. Va.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Energy Efficient West Virginia and The Coalition for Reliable Power.

Participants will learn about what has been driving electric rate increases over the past few years, how utilities are regulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC), how energy efficiency programs and incentives can help utility customers save energy and save money on their bills, and why citizens need to push for stronger programs.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there about why electric rates are going up and what the Public Service Commission can do to control rates,” said Bill Howley, spokesman for the Coalition for Reliable Power.  “We want the folks at the meeting to leave with a better sense of how energy efficiency programs can help, and how we can get those programs up and running.”

Business customers, local governments and schools, as well as residential households, can benefit greatly from financial incentives and targeted programs to upgrade old HVAC systems, lighting, hot water, refrigeration, and insulation, according to Energy Efficient West Virginia and the Coalition. Cost-effective energy efficiency programs with firm but achievable goals can help moderate the growth in electric power demand, reduce the need for expensive new power plants and save consumers money.

Energy Efficient West Virginia and the Coalition for Reliable Power are also planning a meeting in Beckley.

The Coalition for Reliable Power is a statewide grassroots citizens group that has extensive experience advocating for electric customers and landowners on energy issues throughout West Virginia.

Energy Efficient West Virginia advocates for stronger energy efficiency and demand response policies in West Virginia. The group was formed in 2009, in response to Appalachian Power’s request for a 43 percent rate hike in 2009.  

The Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition works to organize and maintain a diverse grassroots organization dedicated to the improvement and preservation of the environment through education, grassroots organizing and coalition building, leadership development and media outreach.
For more information visit www.eewv.org or www.forreliablepower.com or www.ohvec.org.