The president of West Virginia American Water defended its $40 million rate hike request Wednesday before the state’s Public Service Commission.
Robert Burton led off the PSC’s hearing to determine if the request would be approved. The ruling, which isn’t expected until February, will affect more than 160,000 customers. WCHS TV reported Kanawha County commissioners have intervened in the rate case. The water company’s request started out at 26.1%, then it went to 19%, then 17.2% as the process went on, and now slightly less after a deal was reached on depreciation Wednesday. The company said the average customer’s bill will go up about $9.56 or less per month.