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PSC approves single-digit rate increase for West Virginia American Water – WV MetroNews

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PSC approves single-digit rate increase for West Virginia American Water – WV MetroNews


CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission has approved an average 8% rate increase in water and sewer rates for West Virginia American Water Company, which is significantly less than the utility was seeking.

West Virginia American, the largest water utility in the state, filed for a 22.5% ($41.2 million) increase last May. The official filing was closer to $44 million after the PSC shifted a portion of the sewer costs to the water side.

The rate increase is also lower because the PSC agreed with the company’s decision to lower its system improvement charge (DSIC) by $10 million.

The PSC said Saturday the average water customer’s bill will increase $5.69 a month, the average sewer customer’s bill $5.59.

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The increase took effect Saturday.

Several residents spoke out against the rate hike at a public hearing in November.

Customer Constance Nelson said the full rate hike would be hard on families.

“This rate increase would literally take food out of children’s mouths,” Nelson said. “We are barely, many of us, keeping our heads above water, yet the water company wants to drown us now.”

According to WVAWC, the proposed rate hike was reflection of investments in water and wastewater upgrades that have been made since 2020 and for upgrades projected through February 2025. Those investments total approximately $340 million.

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The company defended its proposed hike during a December evidentiary hearing.

“It’s a very common occurrence when we make infrastructure investments and capital improvements, that those then are the main, key drivers for base rate cases,” said Robert Burton, president of West Virginia-American Water, in testimony.

Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper also testified during the evidentiary hearing.

“We’re asking the Public Service Commission to send a strong message and deny this rate increase,” Carper said. “It’s just not right that the water company gets a rate increase every time they ask for it. And they get one every time they ask for it. Not what they asked for because they don’t expect to get that. But they get one every time they ask for it. Perhaps today’s the day that they should not, and send them a message.”

The PSC explained its reasoning for the lower increase in a 53-page filing posted Saturday.

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WVAWC has more than 560,000 customers in West Virginia.



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Critically wounded West Virginia National Guard member being moved to in-patient rehabilitation

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Critically wounded West Virginia National Guard member being moved to in-patient rehabilitation






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E-News | Downtown Dash planned Dec. 13

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E-News | Downtown Dash planned Dec. 13


Join the Main Street Morgantown family-friendly holiday shopping event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 13) in Downtown Morgantown. 

The event will feature a district-wide scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes and the opportunity to explore holiday pop-up markets by Hoot and Howl, The Co-Op and Apothecary Ale House.

While exploring downtown shops, participants who spot DASH the Dog can collect stamps. Each stamp brings participants closer to the chance of winning prizes from downtown merchants such as gift cards and goods. To qualify for prizes, completed Downtown Dash Guides with five or more stamps must be turned into Hoot and Howl, The Co-Op, Apothecary Ale House or at Breezeline’s play-to-win tent on Courthouse Square.

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As a break from shopping, parents and their little ones can visit Kids Craft, Cookies & Cocoa Central at the WARD Building to enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa and cookie bar and children’s crafts provided by Hotel Morgan sponsored by Main Street Morgantown and Breezeline.

Visitors can also visit the beautiful 25-foot-tall holiday tree on display at Courthouse Square, a collaboration between the City of Morgantown, Monongalia County and Main Street Morgantown.   

Sponsored by Breezeline, the Downtown Dash celebrates the holiday season, promotes walking and shopping throughout the downtown district, and supports local businesses by driving foot traffic directly to storefronts.



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West Virginia First Foundation lauds Wheeling police for crisis intervention success

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West Virginia First Foundation lauds Wheeling police for crisis intervention success


The West Virginia First Foundation visited the Wheeling Police Department to commend its efforts in addressing the area’s mental health and opioid crisis.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger presented to the WVFF board, highlighting the department’s progress.

Schwertfeger attributed a 14% decrease in Group A crimes from 2024 to 2025 to the department’s crisis intervention program.

“Just another great partnership,” he said. “More collaboration in this area that we are very proud of and we want to keep the momentum going,.”

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WVFF Executive Director Jonathan Board praised the program’s success.

“This in particular, the CIT program, that isn’t just in the ether, but is showing success – actual scientific success about de-escalation, about bringing together services providers and to boots on the ground and first responders, this is vitally important to not only this region but the entire state,” Board said.

The visit was part of WVFF’s ‘Hold the Line’ tour across the state.



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