CHARLESTON – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia on Tuesday approved the purchase of The Newell Co.’s sewer system by the Hancock County Public Service District.
The action came in the most recent development in a series of cases filed over the future of the Northern Panhandle company’s sewer and water assets. Proceedings were initiated in December 2020 when Newell petitioned to be declared a distressed or failing utility.
The Commission ruled Newell was a failing utility in 2022.
Hancock PSD and Newell filed a joint petition on November 1, seeking Commission approval to enter into a management and purchase agreement to sell the sewer system for $1.36 million.
Under the agreement, Newell customers will become customers of Hancock PSD, but Newell will continue to operate and maintain the system while Hancock is making certain upgrades and improvements. Hancock is not assuming any of Newell’s debt, the agreement said.
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: www.psc.state.wv.us. Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 24-0863-PSD-PC.
