Utilities Seek Change in W.Va. Rate Calculation Policy

Two utilities are seeking a change in the way state regulators determine the rates that customers pay.

West Virginia American Water and Mountaineer Gas have asked the Public Service Commission to base rate calculations on a future year’s projected spending and income.

Under a long-standing policy, the PSC reviews a utility’s spending and income for the year prior to a rate case being filed.

The Charleston Gazette reports that the utilities requested the change in separate rate cases.

John Tomac with West Virginia American Water says the current system doesn’t give companies an opportunity to gain a fair rate of return.

The PSC’s staff and Consumer Advocate Division oppose the proposed change. Consumer Advocate director Jacqueline Roberts says the companies want the money before they spend it.