§16-13A-1. Legislative findings.

The Legislature of the State of West Virginia hereby determines and finds that the present system of public service districts within the state has provided a valuable service at a reasonable cost to persons who would otherwise have been unable to obtain public utility services. To further this effort, and to insure that all areas of the state are benefiting from the availability of public service district utility services and to further correct areas with health hazards, the Legislature concludes that it is in the best interest of the public to implement better management of public service district resources by expanding the ability and the authority of the Public Service Commission to assist public service districts by offering advice and assistance in operational, financial and regulatory affairs.

In addition to the expanded powers which shall be given to the Public Service Commission, the Legislature also concludes that it is in the best interest of the public for each county commission to review current technology available and consider consolidating existing public service districts where it is feasible and will not result in the interference with existing bond instruments. Further, if such consolidation is not feasible, the Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the public for each county commission to review current technology available and consider consolidating or centralizing the management of public service districts within its county or multicounty area to achieve efficiency of operations. The Legislature also finds that additional guidelines should be imposed on the creation of new public service districts and that county commissions shall dissolve inactive public service districts as hereinafter provided. The Legislature also finds that the Public Service Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the expanded powers given to the commission relating to public service districts.