The West Virginia Public Service Commission today (April 10, 2024) denied the Tomlinson PSD’s and the Newell Company’s collective request for a waiver to publish proposed changes in rates. Tomlinson PSD has been ordered to publish the Notice of Filing and Proposed Change in Rates. which could amount to as much as 40% for Newell customers.

Tomlinson will now be required to advertise in a qualified newspaper in the area of those affected by the proposed rate increase. A public hearing on the increase may be requested and the information necessary to request that public hearing will be included in the advertisement.

On November 27, 2023, Tomlinson and Newell filed a joint petition for the PSC’s consent for Tomlinson to acquire the water utility assets of Newell. Tomlinson provides water service to approximately 1,870 customers within its service territory while the Newell Company serves 623 customers. Tomlinson agreed to pay Newell $1,638,921 for its water system. Upon closing of the transaction, Newell customers will receive potable water from Tomlinson.

The joint petition filed by Tomlinson and Newell requested that the PSC waive publication of notice of filing and hearing. Although, the Commission ordered Tomlinson to acquire Newell’s water utility assets, the PSC wrote it is “unaware of any notice that Newell customers have received or of the agreement or potential increase in rates.” It is estimated that a customer using 3,400 gallons will see a monthly increase of $14.18 or 40 percent.

The Commission will require Tomlinson to publish the notice of the filing of the Joint Petition and potential rate impacts of the Agreement between Newell and Tomlinson. Additionally, Tomlinson should notify the Commission that publication has been made and file an affidavit of publication as soon as possible.