Western Kentucky Industries to Appeal Electric Rate Increase

Three industries have filed notice that they intend to appeal a recent decision allowing Big Rivers Electric Corp. to increase rates.
   
Last month, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved agreements allowing Century Aluminum - the utility's biggest customer - to leave the Big Rivers system and purchase power on the open market. That led Big Rivers to request a rate increase for its remaining 112,000 customers in western Kentucky.
   
The PSC hasn't approved the increase, but it did allow the utility to begin charging higher rates subject to refunding customers money if a smaller hike is approved.
   
The Gleaner reports that Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers filed the notice of appeal with Franklin Circuit Court on behalf of Kimberly Clark paper mill, Domtar paper mill and Aleris aluminum rolling mill.