Alabama Power Rate Hike Begins Today

For the fourth time in four years Alabama Power Company is raising its rates. 

Effective Thursday, Oct. 9, the average customer will see their monthly bill go up by about $9.30.  In January 2009, bills will go up again by aboutf $5.59.

Alabama Power blames the increases on the rising cost of coal, natural gas, diesel fuel and copper.

Customers on Social Security and certain low income programs such as Medicaid will not be affected by the rate hike.