The West Virginia Public Service Commission has agreed to a settlement to help pay for high-speed internet expansion in the southern part of the state. The commission said in a news release that it has endorsed the agreed settlement that will see a $1.7 million increase in broadband access charges for Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power customers. The move will result in a 23-cent increase for average residential customer bills effective Sept. 1. The Public Service Commission said the utilities filed a settlement agreement on Sept. 10 and sought the commission’s approval, which was granted Monday.