2026 Regular Session
SB 669
Relating to general powers of PSC
In Second Chamber
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) authority regarding utility rates in West Virginia. It clarifies when the PSC can approve rate increases, particularly for utilities that aren’t municipal systems with a large customer base. The bill also establishes a biennial review process for approved rate increases to ensure they remain justified and proportionate to benefits received by ratepayers.
Key provisions
- The PSC can approve rate increases for most utilities except for certain municipal systems.
- Municipal utilities with fewer than 4,500 customers or $3 million in revenue require specific circumstances and limitations for rate adjustments.
- Complaints about utility rates must be filed within 30 days of a municipal utility’s rate change.
- The PSC must resolve rate complaints within 120 days, with potential tolling of the timeline for information gathering.
- The commission can audit utility management practices and policies to ensure efficiency.
- Transactions between utilities and affiliates will be reviewed to ensure a fair return.
- Rate increases must be justified by reasonably proportionate costs and benefits to West Virginia ratepayers.
- Approved rates are subject to biennial review, with potential exclusion of costs if requirements are no longer met.
Who is affected
- Utility ratepayers in West Virginia
- Public utility companies in West Virginia
- The Public Service Commission of West Virginia
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