dbeard@dominionpost.com
MORGANTOWN – The public hearing held in Kingwood in early March didn’t change the minds of Public Service Commission staff regarding their rate-increase recommendation for Preston County Public Service District No. 1.
Staff said in a Monday filing that because PSD1 agrees with its proposal – 78 cents per month for residential customers – it won’t be filing a brief or other submission following the hearing, which was held March 9.
“Accordingly, staff continues to recommend the adoption of the revenue and rate recommendations” it submitted in December.
Under the staff proposal, the monthly residential rate would increase from $57.03 for the first 3,000 gallons to $57.8. This represents a 1.37% increase – 78 cents per month.
Commercial rates, based on an average of 7,400 gallons, would increase by $1.62 or 1.34%. Industrial rates, based on an average of 78,200 gallons, would increase by $9.38 or 1.33%.
PSD1, in its 2024 annual report, had total annual water operating revenues of $1,305,625. The proposed rate increase would bring in an additional $19,859 the district needs to cover operating expenses, debt service and contributions to its state-mandated Cash Working Capital Reserve fund for emergencies.
Thirteen PSD1 customers turned out for the hearing. The PSC ordered it in response to “substantial protest,” as PSC Administrative Law Judge Cecelia Jarrell – who presided over the hearing – termed it. There are 55 letters of protest on file in the case.
It was confirmed at the hearing that the state auditor’s office is conducting a forensic audit of the district’s finances. The audit should reveal any fraud or financial mismanagement – if there is any.
