Bill > HB4508

This bill, titled the Public Utility Stability Act, establishes a new process for publicly owned water and sewer utilities in West Virginia to implement annual rate increases. Starting July 1, 2026, these utilities can raise rates once per year based on the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor's Water and Sewerage Maintenance Index, without needing to file a formal application with the Public Service Commission (the "commission") or obtain separate municipal or county commission approval, provided the increase does not exceed the Index's rise and the utility files a revised tariff and provides proper notice. The bill defines the "Index" as the Urban Consumer Water and Sewerage Maintenance Index and outlines specific conditions under which the commission can challenge a rate increase, particularly for smaller utilities, and allows for review requests from county commissions and city councils for larger or municipally owned utilities. It also specifies that utilities can implement up to four such indexed rate increases before needing to go through the traditional rate-setting processes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4508&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill