RAVENSWOOD - Officials with Century Aluminum are reviewing the decision handed down by the West Virginia Public Service Commission last week in regard to a special power rate to allow them to restart the Century plant in Ravenswood.
Century had filed a petition for approval of a special power rate with the PSC earlier this year. Officials with Appalachian Power were concerned the proposed rate would be adjusted based on the global price of aluminum. If the prices for aluminum drop, more than 500,000 residential and commercial customers would end up paying more for electricity to offset what the plant uses.
The PSC returned a 70-page decision last Thursday where they rejected part of what the company wanted from the Appalachian Power, but establishes a special rate mechanism that satisfies the policy goals of the West Virginia Legislature, addresses the concerns of Century regarding the reopening of the plant and balances the interests of the power company and the economy.
''Century received notice of the Public Service Commission's ruling in the electric rate case, and our management team is currently reviewing the order in detail,'' said Lindsey Berryhill, company spokesperson. ''We will be prepared to issue a more comprehensive statement once we have a thorough and accurate understanding of the PSC's decision and how it impacts our restart efforts.
''In the meantime, we would like to thank the PSC for its diligence, hard work and expedited review of the case.''
Company officials have said restarting the Ravenswood smelter has been a priority for the company.
