West Virginia Utility Impact Survey

West Virginia Utility Impact Survey

West Virginia Utility Impact Survey

West Virginians are being asked to carry more and more of the burden for these data centers and extractive industries while utility costs continue to rise across the state. In some areas, proposed increases are as high as 75% like for water in Marshall County Public Service Districts. At the same time, many families are already struggling with job loss, limited access to childcare, rising costs of living, and unreliable or unsafe utility services. Recently, West Virginians for Energy Freedom helped submit over 1,000 public statements to the West Virginia Public Service Commission from residents who opposed these increases. Those statements were dismissed as “bots” rather than real voices from real people. We know that is not true. That is why we are building a larger, verifiable record of what West Virginians are actually experiencing. We are asking residents to share information about their utility costs, service issues, and any related documentation so we can present clear, organized, and undeniable evidence. Our goal is to collect at least 10,000 responses from across the state to demonstrate the real impact these decisions are having on our communities. Any personal or identifying information will be protected and redacted before being used in reports, public comments, or advocacy efforts. Your experience matters. Your voice matters. And together, we can make sure it is not ignored. We know that it may be difficult for some to read or understand this survey. If you would like help completing this survey, please reach out to Ashley Ramsden at ashleyforwv@gmail.com.
What county do you live in?*
What city or town do you live in?*
What is your ZIP Code?*
Which utilities do you currently pay for?*

ElectricityNatural GasWaterSewer / WastewaterTrash / Waste CollectionOther
Who provides your electricity?*
Who provides your natural gas service?*
Who provides your water service?*
Approximately how much do you pay per month for electricity?*

Under $100$100–$200$200–$300$300–$400$400+I do not pay electricity
What was your highest electricity bill in the past 12 months?*
Approximately how much do you pay per month for water service?*

Under $100$100–$200$200–$300$300–$400$400+I do not pay for water
Approximately how much do you pay per month for natural gas or heating?*

Under $100$100–$200$200–$300$300–$400$400+I do not pay for natural gas
Approximately how much do you pay per month for sewer service?*

Under $100$100–$200$200–$300$300–$400$400+I do not pay for sewerage
Have any of your utilities raised rates in the past 12 months?*

YesNoNot sure
Which utility increased rates?*

ElectricityNatural GasWaterSewerRefuse/Trash
Approximately how much did your bills increase in the last 12 months?*

Less than $25$25–$50$50–$100$100+
Did the utility provide written notice of the rate increase?*

YesNoNot sure
Have you had difficulty paying utility bills in the past year?*

YesNo
Have you received a shutoff notice from any utility?*

YesNo
If yes, which utility issued the shutoff notice?*

ElectricityGasWaterSewerI did not have a shut off notice
Have you ever had a utility service disconnected?*

YesNo
Have you had to do any of the following because of utility costs?*

Skip paying another billReduce grocery spendingUse a payment planSeek assistance programsBorrow moneyNone of the above
In the past year, how often has your electricity gone out?*

Never1–2 times3–5 times5+ times
Have you experienced any of the following issues?*

Frequent power outagesWater boil advisoriesLow water pressureSewer backupsGas service interruptionsWater main breaksUnusable Water (not even able to be boiled)None of these
Have you ever filed a complaint with the WV Public Service Commission?*

YesNo
If yes, what was the outcome?*
Upload a copy of a recent utility bill (optional)

Cancelof
Upload any shutoff notice or rate increase notice (optional)

Cancelof
How have rising utility costs affected your household?*
There has been a proposal put in place that would increase electric bills $25/mo for a WV power company. If each of your utilities increased by $25 each month, what would that do to your ability to afford necessities?
What would you like the Public Service Commission or state leaders to know?*
May we contact you if additional information is needed?

YesNo
Would you be willing to share your story in a digital format (written or video) for West Virginians for Energy Freedom to bring to the Public Service Commission?

Yes, contact me to share my storyNo, please do not contact me for this projectSend me more information please
Email (optional)
example@example.com
Phone (optional)
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
What is your approximate total household income per year?*

Under $20,000$20,000–$35,000$35,000–$50,000$50,000–$75,000$75,000–$100,000$100,000+Prefer not to answer
What is your highest level of education?*

Elementary SchoolMiddle SchoolHigh School (incomplete)High School Diploma/GEDAssociates DegreeBachelor DegreeMasters DegreeDoctorate DegreePrefer not to answer
Do you receive a fixed-income benefit? (Social Security, Disability, etc.)*

YesNo
How many people live in your household?*

123456+
Are there children in your household?*

YesNo
I consent to the information I provide being shared with the West Virginia Public Service Commission to help address utility rate increases and service problems. I understand that my information may also be compiled and used anonymously to create maps, reports, or other public resources that show how utilities are affecting West Virginian communities. I also can be guaranteed my data will never be sold or shared for financial incentive to any individual or corporation.*

I agree
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Should be Empty: