Relating to the members of the Public Service Commission

HB 2769 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission members are selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointments to non-partisan statewide elections starting January 1, 2026. For the 2026 election, terms will be staggered (two, four, and six years) with all subsequent elections for six-year terms, and the bill requires at least one commissioner to be a licensed attorney with 10+ years of legal experience. It also establishes a process for utility customers to provide feedback on proposed rate increases and increases the discount rate for low-income residents on utility bills. The bill limits Commission members to no more than two from the same political party and creates a judicial removal process for misconduct.