On Wednesday, Dec. 31, Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford delivered a letter to the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) in Frankfort, asking the commission to temporarily block all requests to raise utilities statewide, due to the poor economic climate that is being felt throughout the state and the nation.

Judge Rutherford's visit came after the Mountain Water District sent a request to the KPSC asking for permission to raise the price of non-recurring fees that the district charges its customers.

"There is a time to justify rate and tariff increases and a time to step back. We are going through a rough time financially. People I talk with are in dire straits. Some people have to decide whether to buy food, medicine, or pay utility bills. I cannot and will not turn a blind eye on this critical situation," Judge Rutherford said in his letter addressed to Kentucky Public Service Commissioner David Armstrong.

Pike County Social Services Commissioner Carol Napier agrees that utility hikes are not sensible in today's economy. "The people who live on a fixed income, and those earning only minimum wage, already struggle to make ends meet. I take calls every day from individuals who are looking for help in getting their utility bills paid," she said.

According to the notice given to the public by Mountain Water, the district has proposed several revisions to its schedule of non-recurring charges, but has not asked to raise water rates. The non-recurring charges the district is proposing to raise include: the fire hydrant installation charge from $2,100 to $2,550; the same day reconnect fee after 3 p.m. from $30 to $50; the residential service deposit from $50 to $75; the commercial deposit from $100 to $150; the charge for re-reading a meter from $20 to $30; and several other minor policy changes and implementations.

Aside from visiting the KPSC, Judge Rutherford also sent a letter to Mountain Water District Chairperson Toni Akers asking her to withdraw the district's request to increase fees.

"In light of the worst financial crisis in our lifetime, I respectfully request that the District step back…(People) are having a tough time paying all bills, particularly utility bills," Judge Rutherford's letter said.

A public hearing was held concerning a rate hike for Kentucky Utilities customers.

The public service commission is holding the hearing in Middlesboro.

Kentucky Utilities requested to increase rates, which would raise customers' bills by an average of about five dollars per customer.

The meeting at the Middlesboro Community Center will give folks a chance to voice their concerns about the potential hike.