PADUCAH, Ky. – Strong opinions were expressed during a public meeting on proposed power rate increases .
Paducah Power says they’re needed to remain profitable. One increase is slated for April 1. The other is scheduled a year later. That’s a 7.5 percent increase for residential consumers both dates.
Monday night, members of the community turned out for an informational meeting followed by public comment.
One man shared his worry over Paducah Power’s decision to leave the Tennessee Valley Authority and opt for Prairie State.
“I’m also concerned, we as residents, are locked in for 30 years. We can’t go on the open – as I understand it correctly, we can’t go on the open market for 30 years. We have to buy from Prairie State regardless of what the cost is,” the man said.
That is, indeed, the case. Paducah Power is locked in for 30 years.
The utility’s general manager has said the company is going with Prairie State to have better control over rates and have rate stability in the future.
The board is expected to make a decision on the increases at a March 25 meeting.
