The bill amends West Virginia Code §24-2-11 to create a limited waiver from the requirement of obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity for certain water or sewer service projects. Specifically, the requirement for this certificate will be waived for projects that have been reviewed and deemed technically feasible by the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. This change aims to streamline the process for public utilities, persons, or corporations providing water or sewer services, particularly those with at least 4,500 customers and annual gross revenues of $3 million or more.

Additionally, the bill outlines various procedural requirements for public utilities regarding the application process for the certificate, including notice periods and decision timelines. For instance, the commission must render its final decision on applications within specified timeframes, depending on the project's cost and whether it has received prior approval from the Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. The bill also includes provisions for public notice and hearings related to proposed construction projects and changes in rates, ensuring transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-11
Engrossed Version: 24-2-11
Enrolled Version: 24-2-11