SB 577
Relating to electric and natural gas utility rate increases
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes a one-year moratorium on rate increases for electric and natural gas utilities in West Virginia. It directs the Public Service Commission to suspend pending rate increase cases and prohibits new rate increases during the moratorium. The bill also mandates a legislative study to examine the causes of recent rate increases and potential solutions. Exceptions are allowed for emergency rate increases necessary to maintain service or protect utilities from financial hardship.
Key provisions
- A one-year moratorium on electric and natural gas utility rate increases is established.
- The Public Service Commission is directed to suspend pending rate increase cases.
- Emergency rate increases may be authorized in specific circumstances (safe service, financial hardship).
- A legislative interim study will be conducted on utility management, rate design, and causes of rate increases.
- The moratorium applies to general rate increases, automatic adjustment mechanisms, and previously approved increases.
- The commission must establish criteria for determining emergency rate increases.
- The moratorium applies to all classes of utility customers.
Who is affected
- Electric and natural gas utility customers in West Virginia
- Electric and natural gas utilities in West Virginia
- The Public Service Commission of West Virginia
- Ratepayers in West Virginia
- Businesses operating in West Virginia
Notable changes
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