Gov. Tomblin opposes passing Century Aluminum's cost to WV resid - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Gov. Tomblin opposes passing Century Aluminum's cost to WV residents

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By Ann Ali, Senior Political Reporter - bio | email
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
CHARLESTON -

After three long days of testimony in an electricity rate hearing for Century Aluminum, all eyes are on the West Virginia Public Service Commission to issue a ruling.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, who appoints the PSC members, spoke recently on The State Journal's Decision Makers about the circumstances that may help Century reopen its Ravenswood plant.

Tomblin said he would not support shifting operating costs from the company to West Virginia residents or other state businesses, and his opinion had not changed.

The electricity rate proposal before the PSC relies on the market price of aluminum, which makes the numbers harder to understand.

Century officials have said the aluminum market is expected to rebound, and when it does, they can make up for any subsidies they need now to get started.

"It depends on the price of aluminum, which is set in London each and every day, so until there's that demand out there where the price can get up for the company to have a break even, it's going to be tough for it to get going," Tomblin said.

Century Aluminum used be served by the Ohio Power Company, an issue that was brought up during the rate hearing because it would keep the burden of the power company off West Virginia ratepayers.

"If they could get their power at a cheaper rate where they could make, at least break even or make some profit in WV, I think it would be a good thing," Tomblin said.