Dive Summary:

• Consumer advocates in Ohio are seeking public hearings to dispute American Electric Power's $61.8 million bill charge, which the utility says it needs to pay for repairs after a June 2012 windstorm. 
• The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel says the charge is the largest utility storm bill in the state’s history, arguing this gives the public the right to provide testimony in a "fair process" which "should not be constrained by AEP Ohio's self-interested hyperbole."
• AEP dismissed the consumer backlash as “nothing more than an attempt to sensationalize an unfortunate situation caused by extreme weather that crippled central Ohio.” 
• The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will have final say on the bill charge later this year.

From the article:

“In May, the PUCO’s staff said AEP’s request was justified under the law, except for $2.3 million that was used for ball caps and advertising, among other expenses.”