Water Rate Hike is Opposed by County and City

The Kanawha County Commission and the city of Charleston have filed petitions to intervene in West Virginia American Water’s rate case. The water utility is seeking Public Service Commission approval for a 28 percent rate increase, saying it’s needed for system improvements and future planned projects. Charleston Mayor Danny Jones says the company has neglected its infrastructure, imposing a “pothole” philosophy of fixing problems only when they appear. A hearing is set for Oct. 27. If approved, average monthly bills would increase by about $12.