{Charleston,
West Virginia}…West Virginia American Water has filed a request with the
Public Service Commission to raise rates by almost 20 percent, saying the
additional $24 million in revenue is needed to help pay for more than $85
million the company has spent to improve water lines and treatment plants since
2009. If approved, the average customer will see their bill raise by
almost $8.13 a month. Rates likely wouldn't take effect until October 10, 2013.
Regulators have 10 months to review the request which, if approved, will mean the company's rates have increased nearly
50 percent in the last five years.
