West Virginia American Water Submits Rate Request to Public Service Commission of West Virginia

West Virginia American Water today filed a request with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) to adjust its water and wastewater rates. The request is driven by infrastructure investments made by the company to continue providing safe and reliable water and wastewater service.

“Since our last rate case, we will have invested $252 million in infrastructure upgrades, including replacing more than 48 miles of aging water and sewer pipelines and upgrading treatment facilities, storage tanks and pumping stations,” said Robert Burton, president of West Virginia American Water. “These infrastructure investments help ensure continued water quality, service reliability and fire protection for more than 545,000 people in 365 communities who depend on us every day.”

“Not only are these investments critical to the public’s health and safety, but they also support the economic health of the communities we serve,” Burton continued. “This level of investment over a four-year period is estimated to support more than 3,900 jobs across the state and region.”

If the company’s proposed rates are approved as requested, the average residential water customer using 3,100 gallons per month would experience an increase of $11.26 per month, or $0.38 per day. The average monthly residential sewer bill would increase from $54.14 to $71.84. The PSC will undergo an extensive investigation and analysis of the company’s filing, and any new rates set by the Commission would not be effective until February 25, 2022 at the earliest.

West Virginia American Water’s rates are based on the actual cost of providing water and wastewater service. To help mitigate the impact to customers, the company works to control costs and operate efficiently and offers bill assistance and payment arrangements to customers who need them. Through its H2O Help to Others Program, the company provides financial assistance to low-income customers who qualify, including emergency grants, bill discounts and education.

“By making prudent, ongoing investments to maintain and upgrade our water and wastewater systems, West Virginia American Water is committed to protecting our communities from public health concerns and quality of life issues associated with failing infrastructure,” said Burton. “At the same time, we remain steadfastly committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable customers.”