FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved a rate increase for Big Sandy RECC on Friday, but it is a smaller one than the utility had requested.

Back in October, Big Sandy RECC filed an application for its first rate increase since 2018, seeking to increase revenues by $3.4 million, or about 13 percent. The utility’s proposed changes would have raised the average residential customer bills by $21 a month.

But the rates approved by the PSC will roll that proposal back slightly, resulting in an increase of just under $18 a month.

Customers have already been paying higher rates, as Big Sandy RECC implemented its proposed rates May 1, with PSC approval. That will mean customers should expect to see a small credit for overcharges since the proposed rates were put into effect.

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