FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Power is asking the Public Service Commission for a permission to spread out January’s fuel adjustment charge in order to make winter heating bills a little easier on customers.

Beginning the last week of January, Eastern Kentucky experienced a prolonged cold spell that saw temperatures remain below freezing for two weeks. The last week of January saw nightly low temperatures range between 3 and 15 degrees.

That cold weather resulted in increased demand, which pushed the cost of natural gas higher.

The fuel adjustment charge that appears on customer bills reflects the fluctuating price of natural gas and coal. As a result, the fuel adjustment charge for January, which will appear on March bills, is scheduled to nearly quadruple if left alone.

Kentucky Power is asking the PSC for permission to remove $5 million of that increase from customers’ March bills and spread it out evenly on May, June and July bills. The effect would be to lower the average residential customer’s bill from $250 to $239 in March.

The utility is asking the PSC to decide the matter by Feb. 23, in order for the changes to be reflected on March bills.

A copy of Kentucky Power’s request follows: