CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia American Water on Friday filed a request with the state Public Service Commission about increasing its water and wastewater rates.
The utility is proposing an increase which, if approved, would result in an average $11.26 monthly bill increase for residential customers using 3,100 gallons per month.
The utility is seeking the rate adjustment because of infrastructure needs.
“Since our last rate case, we will have invested $252 million in infrastructure upgrades, including replacing more than 48 miles of aging water and sewer pipelines and upgrading treatment facilities, storage tanks and pumping stations,” West Virginia American Water President Robert Burton said. “These infrastructure investments help ensure continued water quality, service reliability and fire protection for more than 545,000 people in 365 communities who depend on us every day.”
West Virginia American Water placed a moratorium on service shutoffs during the coronavirus pandemic for residents and businesses unable to make payments.
“We understand the current environment caused by the pandemic, but we also remain focused on meeting the future needs of our customers through sound infrastructure and public health protection,” Burton said. “I want to emphasize that this request is not driven by the pandemic and is based on our need to continue ongoing infrastructure improvements. We will work with the Commission to address any issues they raise while they review our request.”
If the state Public Service Commission approves the increase, the new rates would go into effect next February at the earliest.