SB 681
Providing PSC jurisdiction over internet service providers
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends West Virginia code to designate internet service providers (ISPs) as telecommunications utilities for regulatory purposes by the Public Service Commission (PSC). This means the PSC will have authority to oversee ISPs, similar to how they regulate traditional utilities like telephone companies. The bill also includes provisions regarding exemptions for small natural gas providers and clarifies the PSC’s role in regulating broadband internet access and addressing consumer complaints.
Key provisions
- Designates internet service providers as telecommunications utilities subject to PSC regulation.
- Exempts small natural gas producers (serving no more than 25 residential customers) from PSC jurisdiction.
- Addresses power purchase agreements (PPAs) for solar photovoltaic facilities, setting limits on their size and requiring utility notification.
- Clarifies the PSC’s jurisdiction over municipal power systems, limiting it to specific areas.
- Excludes Internet Protocol-enabled service and voice-over Internet Protocol service from PSC jurisdiction.
- Establishes that ISPs are subject to the same consumer protections and complaint investigation as other utilities.
- Specifies that reliable broadband internet is a fundamental expectation and the PSC should regulate ISPs accordingly.
- Limits PSC jurisdiction over transactions involving telephone companies where all entities are under common ownership.
Who is affected
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
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