Kanawha County Commission Opposes West Virginia American Water’s $41.1 Million Rate Hike Request
Charleston, W.Va. – In response to West Virginia American Water’s request for a $41.1 million rate hike, equivalent to a 22.5% increase in annual net water revenue, the Kanawha County Commission has submitted pre-filed testimony to the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) strongly opposing this rate increase.
In his pre-filed testimony, Commission President W. Kent Carper highlights the burden that recurring rate hikes have placed on the residents of West Virginia, noting that the average consumer has seen their water bills increase by a staggering 124% since 2005. With 15 rate hikes from 2005 to 2022, West Virginians now shoulder the highest water bills on average in the United States. WVAW’s history of astronomical rate hike requests, only to later “settle” for smaller increases, has raised concerns among residents and local leaders. Commissioner Carper questions this pattern of behavior and its impact on the people of West Virginia in his testimony.
Furthermore, Carper challenges WVAW’s claims that the rate hike is necessary to address infrastructure issues. Despite these claims, the company’s parent boasts significant financial success with a total shareholder return of 82% over the last five years. Commissioner Carper asks why, with such returns, consumers are not seeing relief.
West Virginians now face a difficult decision as they are forced to choose between paying for their utilities and putting food on their tables. The financial stability of West Virginians is at stake as they grapple with rising inflation rates and stagnant wages. The impact of utility costs on the economy, often underestimated, is causing businesses and families to struggle to make ends meet.
Commissioner Carper’s testimony is informed by the stories and concerns of his constituents, including government retirees who had counted on financial stability in their retirement but are now struggling with unexpected utility rate hikes. These stories underscore the urgency of the issue at hand. The Kanawha County Commission calls on the West Virginia Public Service Commission to address these concerns and to stand up to unreasonable rate hikes. The people of West Virginia, known for their resilience and commitment to their cherished freedom, need relief from the burden of excessive utility costs.
The Kanawha County Commission’s pre-filed testimony serves as a plea to the West Virginia Public Service Commission to put an end to the ongoing cycle of rate hikes and protect the financial well-being of West Virginians.