While Virginia lawmakers took an unusual step to provide temporary relief to thousands struggling to pay electric bills, some say the state needs to take a closer look at utility regulation.

A law signed last month turned back rates for Appalachian Power customers in Virginia while regulators evaluate the company's recent 12.5-percent rate increase request. The move put about $15 back in customers' pockets each month.

The law also stops utilities from increasing rates until they are approved.

The measure was touted as a first step toward addressing Virginia's electric rates, which have tracked closely with the national average.

Now some say the state should look at long-term solutions to address electricity costs and how regulators approve increases.

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