West Virginia American Water wants a nearly 5% rate increase for customers. The utility asked state regulators last week to approve a the surcharge for infrastructure improvements, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported. West Virginia American said in its application that the proposed rate hike is based on planned capital projects and post-acquisition investment in troubled systems in 2023 totaling $48.7 million. The increased rates will allow the utility to recoup $10.9 million, the company said. The proposed surcharge would be $2.88 monthly for average residential use, $12.59 for average commercial use and $337.47 for average industrial use, according to the filing. The company requested that new rates to go into effect on Jan. 1.