FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission has agreed to hold an informal conference with Kentucky Power today, in an attempt to see if a settlement is possible in the utility’s current rate case.

Kentucky Power filed an application for a nearly 15 percent rate hike. If granted, the average residential customer’s bill would rise $28, from $183 to $211.

During a public hearing at the Pike County Library last month, members of the public and several local officials lambasted the proposal. Another hearing is scheduled to be held in Hazard this week.

On Friday, the company asked the PSC to convene an informal conference “to consider the possibility of a settlement or other matters that may aid in the handling and disposition of the case.”

In an order filed this morning, the PSC agreed to meet with company officials beginning at 2 o’clock this afternoon. If necessary, the informal conference will continue on Wednesday.

Public records do not indicate what options will be discussed in the meeting.