This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to authorize the Public Service Commission (PSC) to implement reduced utility rates for residential customers living in small communities with fewer than 1,000 residents. Specifically, it adds a new eligibility criterion for reduced rates, allowing residents of these small communities to qualify for special rates alongside existing criteria such as receiving Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for those aged 60 and older. The bill also clarifies that the special reduced rates must be a percentage less than the standard rates, with a maximum reduction of 20%.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services in informing eligible individuals about the availability of these reduced rates and assisting them in proving their eligibility. It ensures that residents of small communities can access these utilities and receive the special rates, even if they do not meet certain existing requirements. The PSC is tasked with establishing rules for the application process and ensuring that the credits for reduced rates are accurately reflected on customer bills.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2A-5