Relating to utility rate increases

HB 2498 requires all public and private utilities in West Virginia (including water, electricity, and gas providers) that receive a rate increase approved by the West Virginia Public Service Commission to set aside 5% of the new revenue from that increase into a dedicated "infrastructure improvement fund." This fund must be used *only* for physical infrastructure repairs and upgrades (such as water lines, power transmission lines, or treatment facilities), not for routine maintenance or general operations. Crucially, utilities cannot pass the cost of funding this reserve onto consumers through future rate hikes or fees. The bill directly affects utility companies receiving rate approvals and aims to create a dedicated source of funding for infrastructure improvements without increasing customer bills.