PSC Orders AppCo, Black Diamond To Explore Purchase

The Black Diamond Power Company and Appalachian Power have until next week to file a schedule with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) for a proposed purchase agreement.  

Black Diamond Power provides electricity for 4,886 customers in Clay, Raleigh and Wyoming counties.  

A year ago, the PSC opened an investigation into the small utility after complaints arose following a rate hike request. When the investigation began, the PSC had received 48 informal complaints against the company “alleging unusual and irregular billing practices” and 12 additional informal complaints on safety, reliability of service and other issues.  

PSC staff filed a report saying that the service provided by the company was “inadequate and unreasonable.”  

Following a Sept. 21 hearing, the commission ordered the two companies to prepare an acquisition plan and a purchase agreement. 

Timeline 

• Sept. 11, 2025 commission staff filed a petition requesting that the Commission initiate a general investigation of Black Diamond. Staff asserted that the electric service provided by Black Diamond is inadequate and unreasonable.   

• Sept. 22, 2025 Black Diamond filed a response to the staff petition.   

• Oct. 16, 2025 the commission entered an order initiating a general investigation into Black Diamond’s regulations, practices, acts, and service to determine whether it is: (i) able to adequately serve its customers; (ii) serving its customers with safe, adequate, and sufficient electrical facilities; and (iii) maintaining rates and charges that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; and (iv) set the date for an evidentiary hearing on Feb. 13, 2026. 

• Nov. 5, 2025 staff filed a motion to join Monongahela Power Company (MonPower) and APCo in the case. Staff asserted that both MonPower and APCo were large electric utilities providing service near Black Diamond and both would have the ability to act as a receiver or to negotiate a sale for a portion or all of Black Diamond’s assets and territory in Clay, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties. 

• Nov. 13, 2025 the commission entered an order granting staff’s motion to join APCo and MonPower as parties to the proceeding. 

• Sept. 21, 2026 Counsel for all three companies appeared before the commission. PSC issues order requiring Black Diamond and APCo file a schedule for the acquisition.