WV HB5187

Changes Public Service Commission members from gubernatorial appointments to statewide nonpartisan elections, with current appointed terms ending December 31, 2026, and elected members taking office January 1, 2027

Establishes staggered initial terms for the 2026 election: one member elected for two years, one for four years, and one for six years, with all subsequent terms being six years

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

Requires utilities to notify customers of proposed rate increases through billing documents, including estimated cost impacts, purpose of the increase, utility profit information, and instructions for submitting public comments

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