CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission issued a pair of separate orders this week dealing with water and phone service.
The PSC announced Wednesday that it has opened an investigation in water pressure standards.
The review includes the appointment of a task force that will make recommendations on water pressure including what the maximum and minimum standards, how that should be measured and how customers should be notified.
According to a PSC news release, the investigation is fact-finding and not finger-pointing.
“The probe is for investigatory purposes and should not be construed to say current standards are inadequate,” the release said. “The Commission may make use of the findings ‘to determine whether additional proceedings, including a proposed rulemaking proceeding, should be initiated.'”
The task force will be made up of representatives from West Virginia-American Water Company, West Virginia Rural Water Association, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, the PSC Consumer Advocate Division, Commission legal staff and Charleston businessman Howard Swint.
Meetings are scheduled to begin by early September with a final report due to the PSC by Nov. 13.
Verizon-Frontier escrow account
The PSC also this week agreed to establish a $60 million landline telephone service fund in the deal between Verizon and Frontier Communications.
The commission approved the purchase of Frontier by Verizon last fall but part of the deal was a requirement to create an escrow account to improve copper landline service to customers.
PSC Chairman Charlotte Lane made it a point at the time to say there are still many West Virginians who have landlines and that service needs updated.
In approving the escrow account this week that will be used from those projects, the PSC said it would have the final say.
“Final approval of all project and disbursement requests shall remain with the Commission,” the order said.
The PSC also said it would not drag its feet in reviewing requests by Verizon to use monies from the escrow account.