Black Diamond Power faces regulatory scrutiny in West Virginia

The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) is investigating a potential deal between Black Diamond Power and Appalachian Power following complaints regarding service in Clay, Wyoming, and Raleigh counties. Black Diamond, which serves approximately 4,900 customers, owes Appalachian Power roughly $3 million in back payments. Appalachian Power has suggested placing Black Diamond into receivership.

PSC Chairwoman Charlotte Lane has ordered both companies to provide a timeline for next steps by October 1. West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw noted that Black Diamond has historically suffered from a lack of infrastructure investment and maintenance, leading to unaddressed outages. Hanshaw expressed optimism regarding the new leadership team at Black Diamond, led by former state Treasurer Tom Loehr.