Relating to a customer constructing a connection or other infrastructure necessary for the customer to connect to the public utility
Impact
If enacted, the bill would significantly alter how non-investor-owned public utilities operate in West Virginia. It would legally prohibit such utilities from denying customers the right to construct necessary connections or infrastructure, thus promoting customer independence. Additionally, utilities would still be allowed to impose standards for construction and installation, ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements. This change could lead to improved access to public utilities for customers, who may previously have been restricted by the utilities' policies.
Summary
House Bill 2090 aims to amend the Code of West Virginia, specifically concerning the responsibilities and limitations of non-investor-owned water and sewer public utilities. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure that these utilities cannot prohibit customers from constructing or maintaining connections and infrastructure necessary for the provision of water and sewer services. The bill seeks to empower customers and facilitate their ability to connect to public utilities without facing undue barriers imposed by utility providers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 2090 appears to be supportive, especially among customer advocacy groups who view the bill as a necessary step towards enhancing consumer rights in the utilities sector. Proponents argue that the legislation marks an important shift towards greater customer autonomy and could result in increased competition among utilities, potentially leading to enhanced service delivery. However, there may be concerns raised by utilities about the implications of these changes on operational control and long-term planning.
Contention
While the bill primarily seeks to protect customer rights, it may face opposition from utilities that see the regulations as a challenge to their operational authority. Critics may argue that allowing customers to construct their own connections could lead to safety concerns and diminish the competency in service delivery if not properly regulated. The debate around HB 2090 will likely involve discussions about balancing consumer rights with the need for maintaining standards and safety in public utility services.
Public utilities prohibited from recovering infrastructure costs incurred to extend service to new natural gas customers from existing natural gas customers.
Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for large load customers to protect non-large load customers from increased costs.
Concerning energy affordability, and, in connection therewith, establishing a percentage-of-income payment plan program for income-qualified utility customers.