More than 200 people attended a meeting Friday to learn how the expiration of energy rate caps could affect their energy bills.

The town hall meeting at the Clearfield Knights of Columbus building was sponsored by the AARP with the goal of informing senior citizens what could happen to their electric bills if rates expire.

The caps on electric rates were put into place several years ago by the state with the goal of increasing competition among electric companies. The cap is scheduled to expire at the beginning of 2011 if the Legislature doesn't act.

AARP officials said several other states, like Maryland and Delaware, have already let rate capes expire and have seen a massive increase in energy rates.

In Pennsylvania, officials estimate the cost increase at 30 percent, which they said could be devastating for senior citizens living on a fixed income.

AARP officials are asking anyone concerned about the issue to contact their representatives in Harrisburg at 800-515-8134.