BRISTOL VIRGINIA POWER CUSTOMERS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DIG DEEPER INTO THEIR POCKETS SOON BECAUSE THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY IS RAISING RATES. BRISTOL RATES WILL INCREASE ABOUT 15 PERCENT DUE TO THREE FACTORS ALL RELATING TO A HIKE IN ENERGY PRICES. THE TVA BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE INCREASE LAST WEEK FOR ALL CUSTOMERS IN THE SEVEN STATE SERVICE AREA. THIS MARKS THE SECOND RATE HIKE IN TWO YEARS. BRISTOL UTILITIES HAD ALREADY SCHEDULED A RATE INCREASE IN JANUARY BEFORE TVA MADE ITS ANNOUNCEMENT. CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN DOLLARS A MONTH FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE.