FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing in Big Sandy RECC’s request for a $3.4 million rate increase.

Most of that increase would come from residential customers, who would see their monthly power bills rise 15 percent, or about $21, if the request is granted.

Big Sandy’s last rate increase was in 2018. The company says an increase is necessary now because its finances are being pinched by rising costs, a declining population, and the collapse of the coal industry.

The PSC has scheduled a hearing in the case for Feb. 18, beginning at 9 a.m., at the regulator’s office in Frankfort. The hearing will be streamed live and can be viewed at psc.ky.gov.

Big Sandy RECC serves about 12,000 customers in Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Magoffin and Martin counties.