The bill introduced on March 11, 2025, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 24-3-3b, which mandates that all utility companies in the state are responsible for the costs associated with the maintenance, upgrades, and repairs of their infrastructure. This legislation stipulates that these companies must keep their infrastructure in a serviceable condition and absorb any related expenses, ensuring that these costs are not transferred to consumers.

Additionally, the bill requires utility companies to maintain records that demonstrate these costs have not been included in any justification for rate increases or other financial burdens on customers. This measure is designed to protect consumers from unexpected charges related to infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, reinforcing the responsibility of utility providers to manage their operational costs independently.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-3-3b