West Virginia did not have a rate change on October 1, 2026. Its two utility groups both raised rates over the summer under orders from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC).
This article covers Appalachian Power (with Wheeling Power) and Monongahela Power (with Potomac Edison).
Quick Summary
| Utility | Effective | Residential impact | Next allowed filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian Power | June 1, 2026 | +$4.84 per 1,000 kWh a month (about 4%) | After June 2027 |
| Mon Power / Potomac Edison, phase 1 | Aug. 1, 2026 | +$3.65 a month | Not before April 1, 2028 |
| Mon Power / Potomac Edison, phase 2 | June 1, 2027 | +$4.01 a month | Not before April 1, 2028 |
Appalachian Power
The PSC approved the increase on May 13, 2026.
- Amount: $40.1 million in base rates.
- Bills: about 4% for residential and commercial customers and 2.5% for industrial customers.
- Condition: a stay-out. No more base rate increases until after June 2027.
- Securitization: about $2 billion in costs, including storm and environmental costs, will be financed with lower-cost bonds, which the company says will reduce bills over time.
Our math: a home using 1,500 kWh would pay about 1.5 × $4.84 = $7.26 more a month. Many West Virginia homes heat with electricity and use more than 1,000 kWh in winter.
Mon Power and Potomac Edison
The PSC ruled on August 3, 2026 (Case 26-0508-E-42T).
- Asked: one increase of $17.89 a month, or 13%.
- Approved: $3.65 on August 1, 2026 and $4.01 on June 1, 2027, a total of $7.66, or 5.6%.
- Average bill: $137.86 to $145.52.
- Freeze: no new rate increase filing before April 1, 2028.
PSC staff and the Consumer Advocate Division’s witness opposed the two-step plan. The commission said it “minimizes both the total amount paid by customers” and the present value of those payments.
Our math: $137.86 + $3.65 + $4.01 = $145.52, which matches the PSC’s figure.
What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify West Virginia’s current net metering or export credit rules for this article, so we give no export rates here. Ask your utility for its current solar tariff, and check how exported energy is credited before sizing a system. Fixed monthly charges are not reduced by solar.
Our solar payback guide shows how the retail rate and the export credit change the math.
What to Check on Your Bill
- The customer charge.
- The energy charge since June (Appalachian Power) or August (Mon Power).
- The fuel and purchased power line, known as ENEC, which is reviewed separately each year.
For help sorting the lines on your bill, see our guide to reading your electric bill.
Limitations
Figures come from West Virginia news reports of the PSC’s orders. We did not open the orders, and we did not research the annual fuel cost (ENEC) cases.
Sources
- WV MetroNews, “PSC approves Appalachian Power base rate increase, bills won’t rise again for another year,” May 13, 2026
- WDTV, “Public Service Commission of West Virginia approves reduced rate increase for Mon Power,” Aug. 3, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Did West Virginia electric rates change on October 1, 2026?
We found no change on that date. Appalachian Power's increase took effect June 1, 2026 and Mon Power's first step on August 1, 2026.
How much did Appalachian Power rates go up?
About 4% for residential customers: $4.84 a month for each 1,000 kWh used. A household using 2,000 kWh would pay about $10 more.
How much will Mon Power bills rise in total?
By $7.66 a month, or 5.6%, in two steps. The average residential bill goes from $137.86 to $145.52.
