West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 150 - Public Service Commission
West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 150 – Public Service Commission (PSC)
Purpose and Overview
Agency 150 establishes the structure, duties, and procedures of the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC is an independent regulatory body tasked with overseeing and regulating public utilities and certain transportation services within the state to ensure fair, reasonable, and adequate services at just and reasonable rates.
Organizational Structure
Commission Composition:
The PSC consists of Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered terms and operate independently of other branches of government to maintain impartiality.
Administrative Staff:
Includes administrative law judges, technical experts, and support personnel who assist the Commission in carrying out its duties.
Jurisdiction and Authority
The PSC regulates:
Public Utilities:
Including electric, natural gas, water, sewer, telephone, and certain other utility services.
Transportation Services:
Certain motor carriers, such as intrastate trucking and passenger carriers.
Other Services:
Any other services or businesses as defined by state law within its regulatory authority.
Key Functions
1. Rate Regulation
The PSC reviews and approves rates charged by public utilities.
It ensures that rates are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory.
Utilities must file rate cases for approval before implementing significant rate changes.
The PSC analyzes cost of service, revenue requirements, and customer impact during rate reviews.
2. Service Quality and Consumer Protection
The PSC monitors the quality and reliability of utility services.
It handles consumer complaints and disputes involving regulated utilities.
It enforces service standards and can require corrective actions where service deficiencies exist.
3. Licensing and Certification
The Commission issues licenses and certificates to public utilities and transportation carriers.
It ensures applicants meet statutory and regulatory requirements before granting authority to operate.
4. Rulemaking and Policy Development
The PSC promulgates rules that govern the conduct of regulated entities and procedures before the Commission.
It develops policies to promote efficiency, safety, and innovation within the utilities sector.
5. Enforcement and Penalties
The PSC has authority to investigate violations of statutes or rules.
It may impose fines, sanctions, or other penalties for noncompliance.
Enforcement actions seek to protect the public interest and maintain the integrity of regulated services.
Procedural Rules
The PSC follows formal procedures for hearings, including public notice, evidentiary hearings, and opportunity for interested parties to participate.
Administrative law judges conduct hearings and issue recommended decisions to the Commission.
The Commission’s final decisions are binding unless appealed according to the appropriate process.
Transparency and Public Participation
The agency maintains public records of filings, decisions, and meetings.
It encourages public participation by allowing comments, interventions, and attendance at hearings.
This transparency fosters accountability and trust in regulatory processes.
Summary Table
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Regulate public utilities and transportation for fairness. |
| Commission Structure | Governor-appointed Commissioners with independent authority. |
| Jurisdiction | Electric, gas, water, sewer, telephone, motor carriers, etc. |
| Rate Regulation | Review and approve just and reasonable rates. |
| Service Quality | Monitor reliability, handle consumer complaints. |
| Licensing | Certify utilities and carriers to operate legally. |
| Rulemaking | Establish rules governing services and Commission procedures. |
| Enforcement | Investigate and penalize violations of statutes/rules. |
| Procedures | Formal hearings with public notice and participation. |
| Public Transparency | Open records and encouragement of public involvement. |
Final Notes
The West Virginia Public Service Commission serves as the guardian of public interests in utility and transportation services. It balances the needs of consumers for fair prices and reliable services with the operational and financial realities of regulated companies. Its structured and transparent approach promotes trust and accountability in vital public services.
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