The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 24-2-4i, which establishes a process for publicly owned water and sewer utilities to implement annual rate increases based on the United States Department of Labor Statistics Water and Sewerage Maintenance Index. Effective July 1, 2025, these utilities can increase rates once a year without needing to file an application for approval, seek municipal ordinance passage, or obtain county commission approval, provided the increase does not exceed the percentage increase in the Index from the previous year. Utilities must also file a revised tariff and provide notice as directed by the commission.

Additionally, the bill allows for multiple annual indexed rate increases before a utility must seek further approval under existing provisions. It specifies that the commission can challenge rate increases for smaller utilities if they exceed the Index increase, and local governing bodies can request reviews of rate increases for larger utilities. The commission is tasked with issuing a general order each year to state the percentage increase in the Index, and it will establish rules for notifying the public about rate changes. The bill aims to streamline the rate increase process while ensuring that increases remain just and reasonable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-1-1
Committee Substitute: 24-2-4i
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 24-2-4i