HB 5642
To create the West Virginia Water and Wastewater Utility Sustainabilty Act
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 5642 creates the West Virginia Water and Wastewater Utility Sustainabilty Act to address challenges faced by small water and wastewater utilities in the state. The bill establishes a State Utility Accountability and Improvement Program, including a State Utility Management Corps, conservatorship options, and expedited regulatory proceedings for distressed utilities. It aims to proactively intervene in struggling utilities, improve operational capacity, and ensure public health and safety while preserving local utility independence where possible.
Key provisions
- Establishes the State Utility Accountability and Improvement Program.
- Creates the State Utility Management Corps to provide technical assistance and support.
- Authorizes utility conservatorships to address failing utilities.
- Creates a Priority Utility Docket for expedited Public Service Commission proceedings.
- Establishes a tiered classification system for utilities based on operational risk.
- Expands the Distressed Utilities Account to provide funding for utility improvements.
- Requires annual utility risk assessments and transparency and accountability requirements.
- Permits rule making by the Water Development Authority.
Who is affected
- Water and wastewater utilities (public service districts, municipal utilities, and privately owned utilities)
- The Public Service Commission
- The Water Development Authority
- The West Virginia Legislature
- Ratepayers
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