Rudhdi Karnik, rudhdi.karnik@sierraclub.org, 202-495-3055
RICHMOND, VA - The Sierra Club announced today that it and the other parties have reached a settlement on Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s rate case, pending final approval from the State Corporation Commission.
REC, Virginia’s fourth largest electric utility, sought a $22.2 million overall revenue increase, much of which would have come from a 100% increase in the fixed access charge that all residential customers pay each month regardless of how much electricity they consume. The settlement reduces the overall revenue increase to $18 million and scales back the residential access-charge increase from 100% to 40%.
”This settlement is a significant win for REC’s member-owners because doubling their fixed access charges would have disproportionately harmed members who have invested in clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Kate Addleson, Director of Sierra Club’s Virginia Chapter. “REC’s proposal also would have harmed many low-income customers who try to reduce their energy consumption to keep their bills affordable, and would have discouraged co-op members from investing in energy efficiency and rooftop solar in the future.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.