Tag: WV Public Service Commission

Election Results and Drought Conditions, This West Virginia Week

On this West Virginia Week, Jim Justice, the state’s two-term Republican governor, won a decisive victory in the race for the U.S. Senate in Tuesday’s general election. Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia’s three-term attorney general, won the governorship, continuing a conservative shift in state leadership.

Meanwhile, parts of West Virginia have been experiencing drought conditions, with the Department of Forestry fighting 82 wildfires in the southern coalfields this week. Also, West Virginians can apply for assistance covering home heating costs for the upcoming winter months.

Emily Rice is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.

West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week’s biggest news in the Mountain State. It’s produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.

Learn more about West Virginia Week.

Outcry Prompts Suspension of Williamson Water Rate Hike

State regulators have suspended a nearly 50 percent rate increase for Williamson’s water customers and ordered a review.

The Public Service Commission ordered the suspension and review last week after it received a petition opposing the increase signed by more than 900 Williamson residents and water customers.

The petition says the rate increase will place an undue burden on customers.

The Williamson Daily News reports that the city adopted an ordinance raising the rates in August in an effort to cover a $1.2 million debt owed to Veolia Water. The private company manages the city’s water and sewer system.

The PSC suspended the rates until Jan. 29, 2016, and appointed an administrative law judge to review them.

Mason County Manufacturer Close to Resuming Production

Felman Production CEO Mordechai Korf says the idled Mason County manufacturer is one step closer to resuming operations.
Members of United Steelworkers Local 5171 approved modifications to their contract with the company last week.

 
Korf says the modifications strengthen the New Haven plant’s long-term viability.
 
Details of the changes weren’t released.
 
The plant produces silicomanganese. It ceased operations in July 2013 and laid off more than 140 workers.
 
Earlier this month, the West Virginia Public Service Commission authorized a special electricity rate plan for the company. The plan enables Felman to buy electricity from Appalachian Power at as much as $9 million a year off its full rate.
 
Opponents of the special rate have asked the PSC to reconsider its decision.

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