The bill introduces the Public Electrical Savings Act, which modifies the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in West Virginia concerning various public utilities. It exempts natural gas producers serving 25 or fewer residential customers from PSC jurisdiction for residential service, while still allowing the PSC to exercise authority under certain conditions. The bill also establishes new regulations for on-site energy facilities, particularly solar photovoltaic systems, which must adhere to specific criteria, including power purchase agreements (PPAs) that ensure lower costs than local utilities and provisions for on-site power storage. Additionally, the PSC's jurisdiction is expanded to include solid waste facilities, and it outlines limited authority over political subdivisions providing water and sewer services, including a framework for resolving disputes and complaints.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the PSC's jurisdiction regarding internet protocol-enabled services and voice-over internet protocol-enabled services, explicitly stating that the commission does not have jurisdiction over these services. It also specifies that the commission will not review or approve transactions involving telephone companies under common ownership and emphasizes that the regulation of rates, fees, and charges for municipal power systems should be managed by local governing bodies. This reinforces local control over municipal power systems while limiting the PSC's authority to what is explicitly granted in the code.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-1
Committee Substitute: 24-2-1