CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) - Lawmakers look to hold utility companies accountable with proposed legislation which could put a cap on utility rate increases for West Virginians.

Senator Brian Helton with the West Virginia Legislature said companies like AEP have established government-regulated monopolies. The state's coal-fired production plants have been operating at just 35 percent, according to the senator.

These rates are substantially below the 69 percent standard recommended by the Public Service Commission. Senator Helton said increasing production to meet the standard would create job opportunities across the state.

"When I directly asked them why our rates at southern West Virginia continue to skyrocket, their answer was, 'we have lower population. Therefore, that cost is spread out

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