AEP American Electric Power Company Inc

Ohio's Public Utilities Commission on Monday ordered American Electric Power Co. (AEP) to reduce the bills of its consumers in the state by $78 million, although consumer advocates say more than $787 million is owed, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

The decision resolves an April ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court for the commission to re-examine parts of AEP's rate plan.

The commission had ordered AEP to eliminate about $78 million in "provider of last resort" charges, saying the company didn't provide evidence to justify collecting them. The fee affects customers who get their electricity from another provider.

Monday's decision relates to customers of AEP divisions Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power.

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2011/10/03/puco-orders-aep-to-reimburse-customers.html

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