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, deemed technically feasible, and approved 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 with at least 4,500 customers and annual gross revenues of $3 million or more, allowing them to proceed with construction without the usual bureaucratic delays.

Additionally, the bill outlines various procedural requirements for public utilities and political subdivisions regarding public notice and approval processes for construction projects that are not in the ordinary course of business. It mandates that adequate prior public notice be given to current customers and affected individuals, detailing the scope of the proposed construction and any changes to rates, fees, and charges. The bill also establishes timelines for the Public Service Commission to render decisions on applications, with specific provisions for projects based on their cost, ensuring that the commission acts within a reasonable timeframe to facilitate timely project approvals.

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