Alone in the Car: Ohio PUCO and American Electric Power

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved a rate hike in December submitted by American Electric Power (AEP). The rate hike it everyone, but most especially small businesses, schools, and churches. Those saw an instant raise of around 40% in their January bill. One small business saw an increase of 70%.

This came to light through media reports during the month of January. I especially commend the Columbus Dispatch newspaper for their reporting of this matter. They kept on digging and found information contrary to what the PUCO was stating publicly. In the mean time, small businesses were picked on because AEP and PUCO thought no one would care about the little guy. So many small businesses and others complained (which was also reported in the media), PUCO had no choice but revisit their decision. On February 10th, they reversed their December vote and AEP will be working with PUCO for another plan.

Thanks to all the small businesses who contacted the PUCO even when you may have thought it was worthless to do so. This is a perfect example that one voice does make a difference because it combined with others who could have given up too, but were courageous also and made the call.

This is another reason why we need to stay informed, why we need to elect good government officials. Officials are not just about what they do but who they appoint. Watch those appointees also and follow their career paths. How are their decisions? How long is their appointment? Are they fair or do they favor a particular business/group? It is all part of politics and small businesses are affected by it.