KANAWHA COUNTY COMMISSION OBJECTS TO WV WATER’S 5% RATE INCREASE
WVAW TO RAISE RATES FOR 560,000 WEST VIRGINIANS
Charleston, W.Va. – Today, the Kanawha County Commission, through a written objection, asked the Public Service Commission to deny West Virginia American Water Company’s (WVAW’s) recent application for a rate hike. On June 30, WVAW filed a request for a 2023 infrastructure surcharge that would increase the cost of water for residents and businesses by 5%, beginning January 1, 2023.
Commission President Kent Carper said, “The ink is not dry on the Water Company’s last increase, yet here they are asking for raise rates by 5%. These repeated rate increases and monthly surcharges are out of control.” Commission Carper continued, “It is time for the West Virginia Legislature to pass a law that protects the public from unaffordable rate hikes.”
Commissioner Ben Salango added, “This cannot continue. West Virginia American Water’s rates have more than doubled in the last 15 years. It is too soon for the Public Service Commission to approve yet another substantial rate hike.”
Commissioner Lance Wheeler noted, “Kanawha Countians are dealing with inflation and rising prices across the board. They should not be forced to pay more for clean water too.”
The Kanawha County Commission encourages the public to contact the Public Service Commission to express their views on WVAW’s pending rate increase application.
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