Preventing public water and sewer utilities from prohibiting customer from constructing, installing, or maintaining connection to public utility

This bill (SB 273) allows customers of public water and sewer utilities in West Virginia to construct, install, or maintain their own connections to the utility system, provided they meet specific requirements. It directly affects homeowners, businesses, and contractors seeking to connect to public utility infrastructure. Key requirements include obtaining Public Service Commission approval before work begins, meeting utility standards (which the Commission can adjust for reasonableness), allowing utility inspections, and transferring ownership of connections to the utility after completion (except past the service meter). The bill does not change utility rates or service quality but clarifies customer rights to connect under regulated conditions.