APCO is asking for $61.5 million fuel cost reimbursement - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

(WVVA ) Appalachian Power is asking for an additional $61.5 million in fuel reimbursement costs.

APCO, along with Wheeling Power, submitted its annual Expanded Net Energy Cost filing with the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

"The companies are requesting a $61.5 million increase in the ENEC to account for the difference between the amount currently being collected and projected expenditures through the next annual filing period. For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the request brings the monthly bill to $100, up 4 percent from the current bill of $96," says Jeri Matheney with Appalachian Power.

If approved, the increased rates will go into effect July 1.

You may recall, Appalachian Power is already seeking a 17 percent base rate increase with the PSC to cover growing operational costs and major storm restoration efforts in 2012 following the Derecho in June and Superstorm Sandy in October of that year.

Matheney says if both requests are approved, the new rates will still be below the national average for residential customers.