Customers, officials oppose proposed power hikes across regions

Customers, residents and local officials in several communities are opposing proposed electric rate increases, citing affordability concerns and questions about utility finances. In Southwest Virginia, Old Dominion Power is seeking a 23% increase that would add about $43 a month for residential customers; lawmakers and customers, including families supporting seniors on fixed incomes, have urged regulators to reject or carefully scrutinize the proposal, while the utility says the money is needed for system upgrades and storm protection. In San Diego County, local leaders and residents are challenging SDG&E’s proposed 8.6% increase, which the company estimates would add about $22 monthly for a typical customer; SDG&E says it needs to cover operating costs while maintaining reliable service. In Shelby, Ohio, a business owner questioned a smaller proposed increase—about $5.47 a month for standard residential users—and called for greater transparency about roughly $395,000 in electric-department administrative charges transferred to the city’s general fund.