SB 981
Imposing one-year moratorium on approval of certain public 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 the Public Service Commission's approval of rate increases for electric, natural gas, and water utilities in West Virginia. It mandates a comprehensive study to examine the factors driving utility rates and identify methods for reducing them. The study will cover cost structures, ratemaking policies, fuel costs, infrastructure investments, and customer impact, with the goal of finding ways to lower rates for West Virginia consumers.
Key provisions
- Imposes a one-year moratorium on utility rate increase approvals starting July 1, 2026.
- Requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on methods to reduce utility rates.
- The study must examine various factors including cost structures, ratemaking policies, and fuel costs.
- The commission can continue certain activities during the moratorium, such as hearings and audits.
- Rate decreases and refunds are exempt from the moratorium.
- Any rate increases approved during the moratorium are void.
- The report on the study findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House by December 1, 2026.
Who is affected
- Residential customers
- Commercial customers
- Industrial customers
- Public Service Commission of West Virginia
- Utility providers
Notable changes
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