Spokesman Jeff Rennie says the utility needs a 5-percent boost in rates mostly to cover its distribution costs,
"Distribution being the lines in people's neighborhoods and the equipment and the personnel needed to maintain the electric lines and reliable service," says Rennie.
The new rate proposal comes after state regulators discarded several charges that resulted in high electric bills to businesses, churches, and schools. Under the plan, residential customers would pay $7.40 more per month. The plan also restores a discount for all-electric homes.
AEP has 1.5 million Ohio customers in 61 counties.