PSC Suspends Mandatory WAPA and VIWMA Rate Investigations as Unpaid Assessments Cripple Regulatory Work

The Public Services Commission has indefinitely suspended mandatory rate investigations for the Water and Power Authority and the Waste Management Authority, saying both public utilities have failed for several consecutive years to pay millions of dollars in outstanding assessments owed to the regulatory agency. The decision, announced Tuesday, means formal reviews into what residents pay for electricity, water, solid waste and wastewater services have effectively been halted. PSC officials said the agency can no longer afford to pay the independent hearing examiners and technical consultants needed to audit the utilities’ books. “Due to our current financial situation, staff is informing the commission that we must suspend the rate investigations listed on today’s agenda,” said Assistant Executive Director Tisean Hendricks. PSC Attorney Boyd Sprehn told commissioners that indefinitely suspending rate investigations may be the most “dramatic” action available to the regulatory body....