West Virginia PSC approves water company/ag agreement

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Jan. 6, 2003 -- The West Virginia Public Service Commission has approved the agreement between West Virginia-American Water Co. and the state Attorney General's office.

In its order, the commission said the agreement was consistent with its previous orders in October and December and said that the case would be removed from the commission's active docket of cases.

"This is a good day for the future of water service in West Virginia," said Chris Jarrett," president, West Virginia-American Water Company. "The orders of the Commission ensure that rate payers of West Virginia-American will continue to receive the best possible water service in the future.

"The commission addressed all concerns raised over the partnership with Thames. Once the partnership moves forward, everyone will see the benefits Thames brings to West Virginia-American. We are excited about working with Thames. People will see that nothing changes in our operations and that we are the same excellent corporate citizen that we were before the transaction was proposed."