First Energy Wants Rate Increase

First Energy has asked West Virginia regulators to approve a $75.8 million rate hike over two years to cover the cost of its vegetation management programs. First Energy says it needs the increase to cover $51.9 million in past vegetation management expenses and $23.9 million in expected costs in 2016 and 2017. Monday’s rate filing with the Public Service Commission comes two weeks after the company requested a separate $165 million rate increase to cover fuel and other costs. First Energy is the parent company of Mon Power and Potomac Edison.