Relating to the members of the Public Service Commission

HB 5187 changes how West Virginia's Public Service Commission members are selected, shifting from gubernatorial appointments to non-partisan statewide elections starting July 1, 2026. Initial elections will feature staggered terms (two, four, and six years), with all future members serving six-year terms. The bill also requires utilities to provide customers with notice of proposed rate increases and increases the discount rate for low-income residents on utility costs. These changes directly affect utility consumers, Commission members, and utility companies operating in West Virginia.