WV SR50

Requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the effectiveness and efficiency of the West Virginia Public Service Commission in carrying out its regulatory duties over public utilities

Study prompted by concerns from residential, commercial, governmental, and industrial customers about ever-increasing utility costs and whether the commission adequately protects ratepayer interests

Examination areas include rate increase approval procedures, timeliness and transparency of deliberations, utility accountability for service quality and reliability, and adequacy of commission staffing and resources

Study must evaluate whether commissioners should be elected by voters rather than appointed by the Governor to improve public accountability

Joint Committee requested to report findings and proposed legislation to the Senate by January 1, 2027, for consideration during the 2027 regular session