 Following public comment hearings, the Public Service Commission issued a ruling on January 19 approving a revenue increase for Kentucky Power. Kentucky Power is the third largest energy provider in the Commonwealth and had originally proposed an 18.3 percent energy rate increase for residential and commercial customers. The ruling allowed for less than one-third of the proposed increase with most customers receiving a 5.66 percent increase in their monthly bill. In a press release, the Public Service Commission stated they found the original proposal's impact on residential customers to be excessive and disturbing following public comments in the case indicating customers could not afford further rate increases. Currently, Eastern Kentucky has the highest cost of energy in the state, and customers face over a 43 percent markup on energy compared to the rest of the United States. A statement released by Kentucky Power says natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, loss of commercial business, and population decline are causing rates to increase. The ruling also approved moving the due date of bills from 15 to 21 days, allowing customers more time to pay once their bills are received each month. The rate increase went to effect January 16. Reporting for Mountaintop News, I'm Brianna Robinson.