How Appalachian Power compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Appalachian Power, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monongahela Power Co | 13.97 | 334,588 | -2.79 | -$302 |
| Appalachian Power Co (this page) | 16.77 | 348,946 | — | — |
1 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Appalachian Power. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Appalachian Power customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Appalachian Power customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Appalachian Power premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boone | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Cabell | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Fayette | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Lincoln | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Logan | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Mason | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| McDowell | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
| Mercer | The Potomac Edison Company | 12.59 | +$451 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 21 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 16.02 | 16.77 | +4.6% |
| Residential customers | 350,279 | 348,946 | -0.4% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: West Virginia electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Appalachian Power bill
West Virginia is a regulated retail market — Appalachian Power customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: psc.state.wv.us.
Counties served (WV, EIA-861 2024)
Boone · Cabell · Clay · Fayette · Greenbrier · Jackson · Kanawha · Lincoln · Logan · Mason · McDowell · Mercer · Mingo · Monroe · Nicholas · Putnam · Raleigh · Roane · Summers · Wayne · Wyoming
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Appalachian Power Co more expensive than other West Virginia utilities?
- Appalachian Power Co customers paid an average 16.77 cents/kWh in 2024 — 11% above the West Virginia volume-weighted average of 15.06 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Appalachian Power Co?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and West Virginia has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (psc.state.wv.us).
- How many customers does Appalachian Power Co have?
- 348,946 residential customers in West Virginia in 2024 across 21 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.