Engineering Division

The Engineering Division provides technical recommendations in cases before the Commission, including rate requests, quality of service or billing disputes, engineering agreements, alternate main line extensions, certificates of convenience and necessity, mergers and acquisitions of utilities, service territory disputes, general investigations of utility operations and other cases requiring engineering expertise. Engineering staff members provide technical assistance to customers and utility companies including supervising and certifying utility meter tests, conducting water pressure tests, investigating voltage levels, investigating taste and odor problems in water, odor and back-up inquiries for sewer, leak detection services, opinions on utility construction estimates and other technical tasks. The Engineering Division also provides recommendations on the merits of proposed water and sewer projects to the West Virginia Infrastructure & Jobs Development Council (WVIJDC), information and assistance to governmental entities around the state, and technical training for public service districts board members and staff.

The Gas Pipeline Safety Section of the Engineering Division is responsible for the application and enforcement of pipeline safety regulations under Chapter 24B of the West Virginia Code and 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601, §60105(a), relating to certification with the U.S. Department of Transportation. These rules and regulations relate to design, construction, installation, testing, operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities within the State. The Pipeline Safety Section also investigates pipeline accidents or incidents involving the transportation and distribution of natural gas and hazardous liquids by pipeline.