West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB4012: Relating to reducing the regulatory burden on utility companies when constructing and maintaining electric power generation and transmission facilities within this state
Status: Signed into law, March 13, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §24-2-11, §24-2-11a, and §24-2-11c of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to reducing the regulatory burden on utilities when constructing and maintaining facilities within this state; reducing the PSC statutory approval time for certificates of convenience and necessity from 270 to 240 days; reducing the PSC statutory approval time for water and sewer projects from 225 to 190 days; raising the projected cost limitation for extended the approval time for high voltage (220kV and above) transmission lines from $50 to $100 million; reducing the ex.
From the engrossed text, February 2, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §24-2-11, §24-2-11a, and §24-2-11c of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to reducing the regulatory burden on utilities when constructing and maintaining facilities within this state; reducing the PSC statutory approval time for certificates of convenience and necessity from 270 to 240 days; reducing the PSC statutory approval time for water and sewer projects from 225 to 190 days; raising the projected cost limitation for extended the approval time for high voltage (220kV and above) transmission lines from $50 to $100 million; reducing the extended statutory approval time for high voltage transmission lines from 400 to 360 days; requiring an examination of alternatives to high voltage line construction to include advanced transmission technologies; providing for a PSC waiver for maintenance and repair of high voltage facilities at the commission's discretion; and reducing the PSC statutory approval time for siting certificates from 300 to 270 days. ARTICLE 2. POWERS AND DUTIES OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. §24-2-11. Requirements for certificate of public convenience and necessity. (a) A public utility, person, or corporation, other than a political subdivision of the state providing water or sewer services and having at least 4,500 customers and annual gross combined revenues of $3 million or more, may not begin the construction of any plant, equipment, property, or …