PARKERSBURG - State regulators are taking another look at a request for a special electricity rate for Century Aluminum and the closed plant in Ravenswood.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission last month, after studying the request from Century, proposed an alternative plan it said would shift the risks for opening the plant from customers to the company.
The rate would be based on the price of aluminum. After 10 years, overpayments of up to $200 million would be used for rate reductions for other customers and over payments above $200 million would be split 75 percent to the company and 25 percent to reduce power rates.
Century said the proposal wasn't enough to reopen the plant.
The commission on Friday set a tentative date of Dec. 14 when it will issue an order related to the requests to reconsider or clarify Century's case seeking the special rate with Appalachian Power.
"It's another step in the process," Ravenswood Mayor Michael Ihle said. "I'm glad they're doing that."
A balance is needed between jobs and corporate welfare, he said.
The Ravenswood plant was the largest electricity consumer in West Virginia when it was in full operation.
The smelter closed in 2009, affecting more than 650 workers.
