Jan. 30--State lawmakers are looking into ways to keep Appalachian Power Co. rates in check.

Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, called APCo's rate increases over the past few years a "massive tax" that has put "working families in a horrible position."

"I have told (APCo) just how disappointed I am in what they have done to my constituents," he said.

Newman said he has told other legislators that he would help them on their proposals related to APCo. One of them, Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, is sponsoring a General Assembly resolution to order a study of whether APCo should continue as the monopoly electric utility for Central and Southwest Virginia.

"I think we are going to have to do something," Newman said. "... I think we are going to have some pretty strong bills this year."

APCo spokesman Todd Burns said that he doubts the bills in the General Assembly would actually cut electricity costs.


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