PSC Investigation Of Charleston Gas Outage Could Take Months

It could take the West Virginia Public Service Commission at least six months to conduct its investigation into the water main break and widespread gas outage in Charleston last month.

In a filing this week, commission staff anticipate the process to take 180 to 250 days.

Also this week, Mountaineer Gas filed a lawsuit against West Virginia American Water. The gas outage, which affected hundreds of West Side residents, began with a water main break on Nov. 10.

Water flooded miles of gas lines in the neighborhood, cutting service and damaging household appliances.

Mountaineer seeks a ruling from the court that holds the water company responsible for the damages.

A lawsuit was filed last month on behalf of affected residents, seeking class-action status.

The three-week outage overlapped with the Thanksgiving holiday, and many residents lacked heat, hot water or working stoves. 

Mountaineer crews worked through the holiday to restore gas service to the neighborhood.