FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky Power is asking state regulators for permission to temporarily raise electric rates if a final decision in its rate case is delayed past March 1.

In a motion filed with the Kentucky Public Service Commission, the utility said interim rates may be necessary while the commission completes its review. Any temporary increase would be subject to refund, meaning customers could receive money back if the final approved rates are lower.

Kentucky Power said it would prefer to use the lower rates included in a proposed settlement filed earlier this month. That settlement would result in an annual increase of about $52 million, compared to the nearly $96 million increase originally requested.

When the settlement was announced, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office said the average residential customer would see an increase of less than $5 per month if the agreement is approved.

The company said the request is based on indications that the commission may not issue a final ruling by March 1, the date new rates were originally expected to take effect.