This bill seeks to amend the West Virginia Code to enhance the transparency and ethical standards of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Key provisions include a requirement for PSC commissioners to publish their financial statements online and to post a bond of $100,000 upon appointment. The bill emphasizes affordability, reliability, and environmental protection as critical factors in determining the public interest, particularly concerning electrical utility rates. It also aims to limit the PSC's jurisdiction over certain water and sewer utilities and to discourage practices that lead to increased natural gas prices.

Additionally, the bill modifies the qualifications for PSC commissioners, ensuring that individuals with recent ties to regulated entities are ineligible to serve. It mandates that all PSC orders include specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, thereby improving the clarity and accountability of the commission's decisions. Outdated provisions are repealed, and the bill incorporates the West Virginia rules of judicial conduct to uphold impartiality and ethical standards among commission members. Overall, these changes are designed to align the PSC's operations with contemporary needs and priorities, ultimately benefiting West Virginia's consumers and economy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 6B-2-6, 24-1-1, 24-1-3, 24-1-7, 24-1-1a, 24-1-1b