The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the powers of the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding utility rate increases. It maintains the commission's authority to enforce and establish tariffs and rates for public utilities while specifying that it cannot approve rate increases for retail West Virginia ratepayers unless it finds that the costs assigned to them are proportionate to or less than the benefits they will receive. This new provision aims to ensure that any rate increases are justified and beneficial to consumers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for complaints regarding rates from resale or wholesale customers of municipally owned water and/or sewer utilities with fewer than 4,500 customers or less than $3 million in annual gross revenue. It establishes a timeline for resolving such complaints and clarifies that rates set by political subdivisions remain effective until altered by the commission. The PSC is also empowered to conduct audits and investigations into utility management practices to ensure efficiency and sound management, with the costs of these audits potentially included in the utility's service costs.

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