CHARLESTON — Headlines about electric rate increases sometimes bring criticism, but an order issued Thursday by the West Virginia Public Service Commission includes good news for customers.

According to the order, the PSC denied most of a $250.5 million electric rate increase being sought by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, subsidiaries of Columbus-based American Electric Power.

Instead, the PSC did grant a revenue requirement increase of $76.1 million while also requiring that current electric rates remain unchanged for customers while the company works toward a refinancing plan.

“We’re pleased that the PSC saw the advantages for our customers in our securitization plan,” Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer, said in a Friday press release.

“Howev

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