WV PSC developing electric reliability targets - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

WV PSC developing electric reliability targets

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CHARLESTON (AP) - State regulators and electric utilities are wrangling over proposed service reliability targets that the companies would have to meet.

The proposed targets stem from a state investigation of widespread power outages during a major snowstorm in December 2009.

The targets are based on three indices that grade how frequently electrical systems go down, how long those systems are down, and how long customers are without power.

The utilities say the targets proposed by the Public Service Commission's staff are too stringent and could not be achieved.

PSC staff and the Consumer Advocate Division say little, if any improvements would result from the utilities' proposals.

Appalachian Power spokeswoman Jeri Matheney tells the Charleston Gazette that utilities need targets that are achievable, if not now then at some point.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press