Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, February 19, 1994 TAG: 9402190116
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
If the commission agrees with the recommendation of hearing examiner Howard Anderson, the average Apco customer would be due a $30 refund to make up for the amount they have been charged since the company imposed the new rate last spring.
Since May 4, 1993, Apco has been billing its Virginia customers based on the 5.5 percent rate-increase request.
But the company is only entitled to a 1.2 percent increase, Anderson said.
Apco spokesman Don Johnson said the utility is extremely disappointed with Anderson's decision based on what it knows about it.
The rate increase the company requested would allow it to improve its financial position, Johnson said.
In January 1993, Apco President Joseph Vipperman said the utility "reluctantly" had asked for higher rates, largely because of factors beyond its control, including abnormal weather and a required change in funding benefits for retired employees.
Part of Apco's request was that the company be allowed to recover $6.1 million over a three-year period for storm damage, including that from Hurricane Hugo. Anderson recommended that the request be cut by $2 million.
Johnson said that Apco would be filing its response to Anderson's recommendations within the 15-day period provided by law.
Apco will abide by the commission's decision, he said.
by CNB