Under West Virginia Code §24-1-1(b), the Public Service Commission (PSC) is charged with balancing the interests of utility customers, the state’s economy, and the utilities it regulates. That responsibility is especially important because electric utilities operate as regulated monopolies. Unlike businesses in a competitive market, customers cannot simply choose another provider when prices rise. That…
The Monongahela Power Company (Mon Power) and The Potomac Edison Company (PE) filed a joint petition (CASE NO. 26-0508-E-42T ) to the Public Service Commission (PSC) on May 15, 2026 to increase electric rates and chargers for its customers. According to filings the companies are seeking additional revenues on a combined basis of approximately $188,.4…
When we think of government cybersecurity, we often picture sophisticated firewalls protecting massive federal databases. However, one of the most significant vulnerabilities in our local and state infrastructure is much more mundane: the daily use of personal and private business email accounts by public officials. While the practice might seem like a harmless convenience, conducting…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On a gray March morning in 2126, the United States Congress, with the weary assent of the remaining West Virginia legislature, voted to dissolve the state of West Virginia. The territory, once known for its rugged independence, will be parceled out to Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. The move, unprecedented in…
From its founding, the United States has been, by design and destiny, a nation of contrasts. A convergence of religions, cultures, and ideas, its strength has never come from uniformity but from the dynamic interplay of difference. Diversity of thought, belief, and experience has allowed the republic to endure, adapt, and grow. Yet today, we…
Did you know that all municipalities in West Virginia are categorized into four distinct classes based on their population? While we often think of “cities” and “towns” as interchangeable terms, West Virginia Code §8-1-3 creates a formal hierarchy that dictates how a municipality is treated under state law. The transition between these classes occurs automatically…
Did you know that Mayors, City Council, and City Managers don’t share the same authorities across municipalities? West Virginia Code §8-3-2 establishes five specific structural plans for municipal governments. The plans act as a blueprint for municipalities to balance legislative power against administrative authority. While the state provides the framework, municipalities choose the model that…
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