Dear Editor:

AEP wants a rate increase for the 200,000 people that were without power over Christmas to replace their poles, lines and transformers.

Let’s have a look at the facts:

1. In the late 1960s, the P.S.C. granted a rate increase to bury lines in rural areas. None were buried, but we are still paying.

2. In the mid 1970s, the D.E.P. banned P.C.P. transformers and creosoted poles. They are still in use today.

3. AEP’s rights-of-way are overgrown, but they try to blame it on landowner. Pictures prove who is at fault.

4. In 1950, a power line was installed and no maintenance has been done on this line, except for splits. People, after 60 years, we wear out.

All I can account for is a line from Leon to a dead end on Nicholas Road. In their right-of-way, trees are higher than the power line.

I came back to Mason County in the mid 1990s and upgraded the homestead to 220 when my service representative from AEP rehooked me up. He stated I was still only receiving 110 because the transformer (PCP) pole is cracked and creosoted. To change such equipment, they had to tie it off three times for their smallest employee to climb the pole to turn my power back on.

The P.C.S. is having hearings on their rate increase. But they are not having a local meeting in the state. I wonder if they are looking out for the residents or their pockets.

Harry Matheny

Leon