 Kentucky Power, the third largest energy provider in the Commonwealth, has proposed a 20 percent energy rate increase and a 14 percent base fee increase for residential and commercial customers. Currently, Eastern Kentucky already 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 flooding, loss of commercial business, and population decline are causing rates to increase. According to the Energy Policy Institute, one in five Americans struggled to pay for an energy bill in 2022. The State Public Service Commission will hear the case November 28, and if approved, rate increases will likely go into effect in 2024. Comments from the public on how rate increases would affect their families and communities are currently being accepted at psc.ky.gov. Reporting for Mountain Top News, I'm Brianna Robinson.