CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia American Water has filed a request with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia to increase water and wastewater rates, citing more than $300 million in system upgrades since its last rate request.
The company says the proposed rate adjustments will help fund critical infrastructure improvements aimed at maintaining safe, clean, and reliable service across the state.
“These ongoing investments are vital for providing safe, clean, and reliable service to the communities we serve,” said Scott Wyman, president of West Virginia American Water.
If approved, the new rates would roll out in two phases. The first would take effect March 1, 2026, with a second and final phase starting March 1, 2027.
For the average residential customer using 3,000 gallons per month, the water bill would increase by approximately $11 per month in the first phase, and an additional $5 per month in the second.
Wastewater bills would rise by about $8 per month in the first phase and another $5 in the second.
The proposed increases include charges already appearing on customer bills, such as the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) and the Wastewater System Improvement Charge (WSIC).
To help ease the impact on lower-income households, the company is proposing a new Universal Affordability Discount Tariff.
This program would offer income-based discounts of 15 to 60 percent on monthly water and wastewater bills.
It would run alongside existing assistance programs, including the state’s Department of Health and Human Resources discount, the H2O Help to Others Program™, and other payment support options.
The PSC will review the request over a 300-day period, during which customers may submit written comments, attend public hearings, and participate through advocacy organizations.
More information is available at westvirginiaamwater.com under the “Your Water and Wastewater Rates” section.
