CHARLESTON — The three members of the West Virginia Public Service Commission listened to testimony and questioned witnesses Tuesday as two subsidiaries of American Electric Power seek another electric rate increase to cover their expenses.

Tuesday morning marked the first day of evidentiary hearings before the commission at its downtown Charleston headquarters to consider an expanded net energy cost rate increase request by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, subsidiaries of Columbus-based AEP.

The companies, which provide power to residential and industrial ratepayers in 25 West Virginia counties, are seeking a $71.6 million, or 3.79%, — in ENEC rates by Sept. 1. The proposed increase would result in residential power bills rising by $5.31 per month.

Morning testimony came from Clin

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