Hope Gas Requested Rate Increase in West Virginia

The Public Service Commission began evidentiary hearings this week to review a proposed 4% rate hike.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel gas pipe segment resting on rocky terrain, representing utility infrastructure maintenance in West Virginia. — The West Virginia Public Service Commission has begun hearings to review a proposed 4% rate increase requested by Hope Gas to fund ongoing pipeline replacements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support increasing utility rates to pay for necessary pipeline maintenance and repairs?

Hope Gas has filed for a 4 percent rate increase to support its ongoing Pipeline Replacement and Expansion Program. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia launched formal hearings on September 23, 2026, to examine the company's request.

Why it matters

The utility company aims to enhance system safety and reliability by addressing approximately 1,460 identified leaks across its aging pipeline infrastructure. Replacing these pipes is necessary to reduce emissions and prevent future service interruptions.

Hope Gas is seeking a 4 percent average rate increase, which would cost residential customers an additional $4.37 per month. The program currently operates with an annual budget of $30 million.

The players

Hope Gas

This utility company manages 3,000 miles of natural gas lines throughout West Virginia.

Public Service Commission

This West Virginia regulatory agency oversees utility rate filings and ensures safe service delivery.

Morgan O'Brien

He serves as the CEO of Hope Gas and has publicly advocated for the infrastructure program.

The details

Hope Gas utilizes aerial laser scanner surveys to detect leaks and prioritizes replacements based on risk-ranking metrics. The proposed fee structure would also raise monthly costs for small commercial users by $11.47, with large industrial bills increasing by up to $1,247.34.

August 2026: CEO Morgan O'Brien discussed the rate proposal during a radio interview.
September 23, 2026: The Public Service Commission commenced evidentiary hearings in Charleston.

Market Landscape

This filing reflects a broader trend among utilities to aggressively address aging infrastructure through targeted capital expenditure programs. By aligning rate increases with the Pipeline Replacement and Expansion Program, Hope Gas mirrors industry-wide efforts to modernize delivery systems.

Residential customers can expect an average monthly bill increase of $4.37 if the commission approves the requested 4 percent hike. Commercial and industrial clients will see significantly higher adjustments ranging from $11.47 to over $1,200 per month.

The takeaway

Customers should review their upcoming utility billing statements for potential changes resulting from these ongoing regulatory proceedings. Staying informed about PSC hearing outcomes helps households and businesses plan for fluctuations in monthly energy costs.