FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled three hearings to take comments from the public regarding Kentucky Power’s request to raise residential power bills by about 15 percent.

Back in August, Kentucky Power filed its application for a rate increase back in August, saying it was necessary due to lost population and industry in Eastern Kentucky, plus the need for upgrades to improve reliability during severe weather. If approved, the new rates would raise the average residential bill $28, from $183 to $211.

The public will be able to tell commissioners how they feel about the proposal during a series of hearings. The first will be held Nov. 20, at the Pike County Library on Lee Avenue in Pikeville. The other hearings will take place at the Perry County Courthouse in Hazard on Dec. 18 and the Ashland Transportation Center on Jan. 8.

Each of the hearings will begin at 5 p.m.