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Kingsport resident urges city leaders to question AEP rate surcharge, criticize solar policy
Summary
During public comment, Tim Sanders expressed opposition to AEP’s proposed surcharge and criticized the utility for not subsidizing rooftop solar; he said rate increases force residents to choose between electricity and essentials.
Tim Sanders, a Kingsport resident, used the meeting’s public comment period on Aug. 5 to criticize American Electric Power and urge local officials to consider the impact of corporate decisions on ratepayers.
Sanders identified himself as a senior tax analyst with H&R Block and said he filed an official complaint with the state utility commission regarding a proposed AEP surcharge tied to a targeted reliability plan. He said the company’s duty is to protect investors and that rate increases shift costs to customers.
“I have citizens here in Kingsport that’s deciding or making the choice to pay their electric or buy whatever they need to do,” Sanders said. He also criticized AEP for not subsidizing rooftop solar locally and said that practice limits residents’ options for lowering bills.
Sanders told the board he had documents, including a July 13 Kingsport Times-News item and an SEC Form 8-K, and offered to speak with city officials after the meeting. The mayor cut his public comment when the five-minute limit expired.
What was not decided: The comment period is a public forum; no action was taken by the board in response and no board member asked for immediate staff follow-up on the matter during the meeting.
Ending: Sanders closed by saying he was available to discuss utility regulation and solar options with officials outside the public meeting.
