Utilities setup and providers in West Virginia: Major electricity providers: Appalachian Power, Mon Power. Gas companies: Mountaineer Gas, Peoples Gas. Water suppliers: West Virginia American Water. Sewer services: Local municipal authorities. Internet options: Frontier, Xfinity, Suddenlink. Cable TV providers: Suddenlink, DirecTV. Renewable energy programs: Check local providers. Utility assistance programs available. Account setup may require identification. Possible security deposits for new customers.
Major electricity providers: Appalachian Power, Mon Power
Appalachian Power, headquartered in Charleston, W.Va., serves nearly one million customers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee, and is part of the American Electric Power (AEP) system. For more detailed information, visit the Appalachian Power website. Mon Power, also part of the FirstEnergy Corporation, serves customers in West Virginia, with Monongahela Power Company handling power and renewable procurements in the state.
Gas companies: Mountaineer Gas, Peoples Gas
Mountaineer Gas Company is the largest natural gas distribution company in West Virginia, serving over 220,000 customers across 50 counties and maintaining nearly 6,000 miles of pipeline. Peoples Gas WV, now acquired by Hope Gas, serves approximately 13,000 customers and is integrating into Hope Gas's operations, which collectively serve around 125,000 homes and businesses in the state.
Water suppliers: West Virginia American Water
West Virginia American Water is the largest water service provider in the state, serving 318 communities in 19 counties. It provides high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 600,000 people through a vast infrastructure of 3,500 miles of water main, adhering to stringent water quality standards. For more information about their services and community impact, visit the West Virginia American Water page.
Sewer services: Local municipal authorities
In West Virginia, local municipal authorities and public service districts are responsible for providing sewer services, with the authority to set rates, enforce payment, and terminate service for delinquency, all subject to approval and oversight by the Public Service Commission.
Internet options: Frontier, Xfinity, Suddenlink
In West Virginia, selecting the right internet service is crucial for optimal connectivity, and Frontier stands out by offering the best options with its fiber-optic plans that deliver incredible speeds up to 7,000 Mbps. Although the service is on the pricier side, starting at $300 per month, https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-west-virginia/ highlights it as a top choice due to its unparalleled speed and unlimited data offerings. Additionally, Xfinity and Suddenlink, now known as Optimum, are viable alternatives. Xfinity provides speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, while Suddenlink/Optimum offers a more budget-friendly option with plans commencing at $40 per month for 300 Mbps, though they do not match the high speeds and unlimited data of Frontier's premium plans.
Cable TV providers: Suddenlink, DirecTV
In West Virginia, Suddenlink is available to about 32% of households, offering various TV packages including a basic Local Broadcast package and more comprehensive plans with over 125 channels. However, DirecTV stands out as it is accessible to 100% of households, providing a wide range of channels and packages to suit diverse viewing preferences.
Renewable energy programs: Check local providers
In West Virginia, the transition towards renewable energy is gaining momentum with the support of prominent providers such as Clearway Energy. Operating the Black Rock wind farm, this company significantly enhances the state's wind capacity, supplying clean energy to power thousands of homes. Meanwhile, Revolt Energy is making strides in solar development across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. By offering comprehensive services including solar installations and tax benefits, they enable energy independence, all while focusing on reducing energy costs and minimizing environmental impact. Together, these efforts help cultivate a more sustainable future for West Virginia.
Utility assistance programs available
The West Virginia Utility Assistance Program, managed by Dollar Energy Fund, offers one-time grants to eligible utility customers to aid with gas, electric, and water bills. The eligibility requirements and payment thresholds differ depending on the utility company and the applicant's age and financial situation. As part of the process, the program requires applicants to have applied for LIHEAP and E-LIHEAP prior to seeking assistance. For more information, visit the West Virginia Utility Assistance Program webpage.
Account setup may require identification
Setting up a water and sewer account in Bridgeport, West Virginia, requires identification, including a copy of the driver's license number, Social Security Number, service location, phone number, and employment information of the responsible party. For more detailed information, you can visit the City of Bridgeport's official website.
Possible security deposits for new customers
In West Virginia, new customers may be required to pay a security deposit if they do not meet the utility company's credit-score assessment, cannot provide a letter of credit from another utility, or have other payment issues. This deposit earns interest and can be credited back to the account under certain conditions, such as 12 consecutive months of timely payments. For more detailed information on these policies, you can visit the FirstEnergy Corp. website.