WV HB3276

Allows publicly owned water and sewer utilities to implement annual rate increases starting July 1, 2025, without prior approval from the Public Service Commission, municipal ordinance, or county commission approval

Rate increases are automatically considered "just and reasonable" if they do not exceed the percentage change in the U.S. Department of Labor's Urban Consumer Water and Sewerage Maintenance Index from the prior year

Utilities may implement up to four consecutive annual indexed rate increases before being required to file for a formal rate increase through traditional approval processes

The Public Service Commission must issue an annual general order after September 30 each year stating the allowable percentage increase based on the Index

County commissions and city councils retain the ability to request commission review of rate increases to verify they do not exceed the allowable Index-based amount