AEP-PSO cites higher fuel costs for higher rates

(Tulsa-AP) -- Thousands of Oklahomans will pay more for their electricity next month because of increasing natural gas prices. A-E-P-Public Service Company of Oklahoma says they've had to pay more

Monday, July 31st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Thousands of Oklahomans will pay more for their electricity next month because of increasing natural gas prices. A-E-P-Public Service Company of Oklahoma says they've had to pay more for the natural gas they use to generate electricity for customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.

The company says the average customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours can expect to pay an extra $8.17 per month. A-E-P-P-S-O says soaring prices have left them with $30 million in under-collected fuel costs. Alan Decker is A-E-P director of Oklahoma regulatory services. Decker says the company's fuel costs have increased nearly 100 percent from January through June. The company says the adjustment is meant to provide a buffer against projected future costs. The price increase for customers will be in effect from August through October.