Public Hearing Set for Proposed West Virginia American Water Rate Increases

The West Virginia Public Service Commission on December 4 scheduled a public comment hearing for December 15 to solicit input on West Virginia American Water’s two pending rate cases. The company is seeking approximately 46 million dollars in additional water revenues and roughly 1.4 million dollars in additional sewer revenues. The utility has proposed phasing those increases with an initial implementation in March 2026 and a second phase in March 2027.

The hearing will be held both in person and virtually, giving residents across the state the opportunity to speak directly to regulators. McDowell County residents who receive water or sewer service from West Virginia American Water, and those whose local systems may be affected indirectly by statewide rate or policy decisions, can register to provide public comment during the hearing. The public comment period is a formal chance for customers to raise concerns about affordability, service quality, and the pace of infrastructure improvements before the commission issues a decision.

The Public Service Commission evaluates rate requests by reviewing company filings, regulatory testimony, and public input. Approval would allow the utility to collect the requested revenues through revised customer rates, subject to the commission’s final order. Any increase in revenue authorization can translate into higher monthly bills for customers, while a denial or modification could limit the company’s recovery of costs for operations and capital projects.

For McDowell County, the potential impacts extend beyond individual household bills. Local government budgets, nonprofit service providers, and low income households may face pressure if water and sewer costs rise. Conversely, proponents of rate increases argue that additional revenue can support upgrades to aging infrastructure and improve long term reliability. The commission’s hearing is an opportunity for residents to weigh those trade offs and place local priorities on the record.

Residents planning to participate should prepare concise remarks that address service, affordability, and community needs. The commission will consider public testimony along with technical evidence before reaching a decision on the proposed rate changes.