Charleston, W.V.
West Virginia American, the largest water utility in the state, was filed for 22.5% ($ 41.2 million). The official filing was close to $ 44 million after PSC moved a portion of sewer costs towards water.
The increase in rate is also low as PSC agreed with the company’s decision to reduce its system improvement charge (DSIC) by $ 10 million.
The PSC stated that the average water customer bill on Saturday will increase $ 5.69 per month, the average sewer customer bill $ 5.59.
The growth came into effect on Saturday.
Many residents spoke against the rate hike in a public hearing in November.
Customer Constance Nelson said that the increase at the full rate will be difficult on families.
Nelson said, “This rate growth will really take food from children’s mouths.” “We are barely, many of us, keeping our heads over water, yet the water company wants to drown us now.”
According to the WVAWC, the proposed rate hike was a reflection of investment in water and waste water upgrade from 2020 and upgrade for upgrade from February 2025. Those investment are around $ 340 million.
The company defended its proposed growth during the December 1 hearing.
Robert Burton, president of West Virginia-American Water, said in a testimony, “When we invest the infrastructure and improve capital, it is a very common phenomenon, which is then the main, prominent driver for the base rate cases.”
Kanva County Commissioner Kent Karper also testified during a clear hearing.
“We are asking the Public Service Commission to send a strong message and deny the increase in this rate,” Karper said. “It is not true that the rate increases every time they ask the water company for this. And every time they ask for it. No, what they asked for because they do not expect to get it. But every time they ask for it. Perhaps today is the day that they should not do, and they should send a message. ,
The PSC explained its argument for a low increase in the 53-Pash filing posted on Saturday.
WVAWC’s West Virginia has over 560,000 customers.