FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission is planning to hold three virtual hearings this week and next week, to accept comments from the public on a rate increase proposed by Kentucky Power.

The utility is seeking a 16 percent hike in residential power bills. If the increase is granted, the average residential bill would jump from $144 a month, to $167.

The PSC is planning to hold two hearings this Friday, from 1 to 4 p.m., and again from 5 to 8 p.m. The third hearing will be held Monday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Anyone who wishes to speak is asked to email their name, adddress, phone number and email address to psc.meeting@ky.gov.

Additional instructions on how to attend the virtual meetings will be released this Thursday on the PSC’s website, psc.ky.gov.