WV HB2769

Changes Public Service Commission members from gubernatorial appointments to statewide nonpartisan elections beginning January 1, 2027, with initial staggered terms of 2, 4, and 6 years to maintain continuity

Removes the requirement that at least one commissioner be a licensed attorney with 10 years of legal experience, and eliminates the restriction limiting commissioners from the same political party to two

Allows any state citizen to petition a court to remove a commissioner for malfeasance or violation of law, replacing the governor's sole removal authority

Requires utilities to notify customers of proposed rate increases in billing statements, including estimated cost impacts, profit information, and instructions for submitting comments, with public hearings streamed online

Increases the discount rate for low-income utility customers (SSI, AFDC, AFDC-U, or food stamp recipients over 60) from 20% to 30% off standard rates