This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the powers of the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the approval of utility rate increases. It specifies that the PSC can enforce and establish tariffs and rates for public utilities, with certain exceptions for municipal power systems and water/sewer utilities that meet specific customer and revenue thresholds. The bill also outlines the process for handling complaints from resale or wholesale customers of smaller municipal utilities, including a timeline for resolution and stipulations regarding the authority of the PSC to order refunds.

A significant addition to the law is the new provision that prohibits the PSC from approving any increases in rates, charges, or other cost recovery mechanisms for retail ratepayers unless it finds that the costs are reasonably proportionate to the benefits expected to be received by those ratepayers. This insertion aims to ensure that any rate increases are justified and equitable for consumers.

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