CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- The rising cost of living may get even more expensive over the next few years as electric rates are set to go up.

Currently there's a cap on the rates, but once it expires in January 2011, costumers will have to start paying the true price for their power. According to the Associated Press, those using Allegheny Power will see an increase of 63 percent. Penelec rates will increase by 50 percent.

The caps were put in place to keep electric bills low in a competitive industry. The rates were frozen at 1990 levels.

Some companies, including Allegheny Power said it plans to phase in the increase over a three year period to ease the pain.

Legislation addressing the rate hike has been tossed around Harrisburg. However, because of the different groups involved and their competing interests, any possible action has been slow.