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AB must respond to petition on utilities debt

BY JARETT LEWIS

CHARLESTON — The state’s Public Service Commission granted the city of Philippi a petition that requires Alderson Broaddus University to show cause for why its utilities shouldn’t be terminated.

The PSC met and approved the petition Tuesday.

On July 27, Philippi officials filed the petition requesting the institution “to appear and show cause why electric, garbage, sewer and water services should not be terminated.”

The city stated that the university has defaulted on its deferred payment arrangement and currently owes the City of Philippi $773,000 for utility services.

AB is required to file a written answer to the petition within 20 days. The outcome of the proceeding could result in a termination of utilities.

Last month, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission revoked the school’s authority to confer degrees beginning this fall semester. A few days later, AB voluntarily resigned its accreditation effective Dec. 31.