This bill amends sections 24-2-3 and 24-2-4 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to modify the powers and duties of the Public Service Commission (PSC). It prohibits the PSC from approving any new rates or fee increases for certain electric utilities during the period from November 20 to April 1 of the following year. Additionally, the bill clarifies the commission's authority over various public utilities, including municipally owned natural gas and water/sewer utilities, particularly those with fewer than 4,500 customers or less than $3 million in annual gross revenues.

Key changes include the insertion of specific provisions that restrict the PSC's ability to enforce or establish rates for certain municipal utilities and the explicit prohibition of new rates or fee increases for electric utilities during the specified winter months. The bill also outlines the commission's responsibilities in determining just and reasonable rates, including the requirement for public utilities to demonstrate that proposed rate changes are justified. Overall, the legislation aims to provide greater consumer protection by limiting rate increases during the winter season and ensuring transparency in the rate-setting process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-3, 24-2-4
Committee Substitute: 24-2-3, 24-2-4