Requiring any PSC rate increase to have legislative approval

SB 461 would require West Virginia's Public Service Commission (PSC) to obtain legislative approval before implementing any rate increases for utility companies. This affects electric, gas, and water providers seeking to raise customer rates, as they would need to submit proposals to the state legislature for approval. The bill changes the current process by adding a legislative step - requiring PSC rate adjustment recommendations to be formally approved by the Legislature before taking effect. It does not alter the PSC's authority to propose rate changes but shifts final approval to the Legislature. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.