PAX, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has halted a proposed 40% increase in water rates for customers in the Town of Pax after receiving a citizen petition opposing the rate hike.
According to the PSC order issued October 29, 2025, the suspension came after a petition signed by at least 25% of Pax’s water customers was filed, triggering a mandatory review under W.Va. Code §24-2-4b. The law allows the Commission to step in when municipal utilities with fewer than 4,500 customers attempt significant rate increases.
The Pax Town Council had passed an ordinance on October 14, 2025, approving the 40% rate increase. While the ordinance stated the new rates would take effect immediately, other filings listed December 20, 2025 as the effective date — creating confusion that prompted Commission scrutiny.
The PSC ruled that the rate increase cannot legally take effect until the agency completes its investigation and administrative hearing process. The rates are now suspended until at least March 28, 2026, unless the Commission orders otherwise.
The Commission also ordered the Town of Pax to clarify whether it intended the rates to begin December 20 and to correct its ordinance to comply with state law requiring at least a 45-day waiting period between passage and implementation.
The case has been referred to the PSC’s Division of Administrative Law Judges, with a decision expected by January 12, 2026, pending any tolling extensions. PSC staff will review the sufficiency of the town’s filings and submit reports by February 3, 2026.
Residents and other interested parties have 10 days from publication of the order to file petitions to intervene in the proceeding.
