Ashland residents attended a Kentucky Public Service Commission public hearing on Kentucky Power’s proposed rate increase. (Curtis Tate / WEKU)
Nik Lee, a lifelong resident of Whitesburg, has seen her electric bill rise along with many of her neighbors. The Appalshop filmmaker said increasing power costs have become a growing burden for people in the community.
Lee brought her camera to two public comment hearings on Kentucky Power’s rate increase proposal. The first took place in Pikeville in November, followed by a second hearing in Hazard in December.
At both meetings, Lee captured the frustration and anger residents expressed over the proposal.
Community members told Public Service Commission officials that their monthly electricity bills now cost as much as, or even more than, their housing. Some said they are searching for alternative heating sources or considering moving elsewhere.
“I’ve lived in Whitesburg all my life, and everything is very expensive right now, more expensive than I’ve ever known it to be,” Lee said. “So a lot of folks are struggling right now.”
Whitesburg was severely impacted by historic flooding in 2022. Appalshop’s headquarters suffered significant damage, and much of its cultural archive could not be saved. The organization continues its work from Jenkins, also in Letcher County.
Lee said some residents feel their concerns are not being heard by leaders, but she believes public participation still matters.
Thousands of Appalachian Power customers in West Virginia opposed a rate increase last year, and that proposal was ultimately rejected.
“I think just put your word in, put your two cents in, even if it feels kind of useless or futile or if you’ve given up hope, just still, you know, make your voice heard in these times, which is kind of why I made this documentary,” Lee said.
The Kentucky Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision on Kentucky Power’s rate proposal in the coming weeks.
Leave a Comment