OAK HILL, WV (WOAY) – A local lawmaker is speaking out against a rate hike for West Virginia American Water customers that was approved by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.
In a letter addressed to PSC commissioners, Delegate Elliott Pritt asked that the approved rate increase be reconsidered.
Rates have been increased by roughly 27.9%, which will increase water bills by $6 a month and sewer bills by $7 a month.
The company said in a press release that the increase will cover hundreds of millions of dollars in upgrades.
In his letter, Pritt said his constituents simply cannot afford the increase.
“These same constituents are already being financially pressed by increased fuel costs and the general inflation that has taken place over the past five years in our national economy,” Pritt said. “Wages have not kept pace, and nearly 30% of the population in my county lives at or below the poverty line.”
“While I understand these same economic concerns also apply to utility companies, they are much better positioned to absorb financial difficulties than the people of our state.”
Pritt cited a past PSC decision to reconsider a rate increase approval granted to Appalachian Power.
“Please do the right thing by our people and reconsider this decision,” Pritt said.
West Virginia American Water received approval for its rate increase at the same time that it is attempting to acquire several Fayette County public service districts.
The proposed deal requires forgiveness of taxpayer-funded debt. The Public Service Commission has not yet ruled on the sale.
Mike Teaney contributed to reporting in this article.
