Black Diamond Power Company to Be Sold as State Investigation Continues

WEST VIRGINIA — Black Diamond Power Company is preparing to shut down operations and pursue a sale after months of scrutiny over rising utility rates in southern West Virginia. The announcement follows an ongoing investigation into the company’s pricing practices, which has drawn criticism from both residents and state lawmakers.
Customers have repeatedly reported higher bills despite no increase in usage, prompting questions about how rates are being calculated. Lawmakers say they have struggled to get consistent answers from the company and regulatory offices.
“People are really frustrated and I am too,” said State Senator Rollan Roberts. “There needs to be an answer to why that is going on, and the answers they are getting from these offices are all over the place.”
During a recent meeting with the Public Service Commission, legal counsel for Black Diamond Power confirmed that company president David Musser intends to sell the utility. Musser has pledged to cooperate fully with the PSC as its investigation continues.
The company also revealed it has been in discussions with Appalachian Power about a possible acquisition. Those talks reportedly began in November 2025, though no formal purchase proposal has been submitted. Additional meetings to advance the process are expected in the coming weeks.