HB 4991
West Virginia First Energy Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
The West Virginia First Energy Act aims to stabilize electricity rates and preserve West Virginia’s coal and natural gas industries. It requires coal-fired power plants to maintain a minimum level of operation, ensure on-site fuel supplies, and restricts investments in new intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. Rate increases are contingent on compliance with these requirements, and the Public Service Commission will oversee utility participation in wholesale energy markets.
Key provisions
- Requires coal-fired power plants to maintain a minimum 69% utilization rate.
- Mandates minimum on-site coal and natural gas inventories for generating facilities.
- Restricts utility investment in new intermittent generation resources (wind and solar).
- Conditioning rate increases on compliance with utilization and fuel supply requirements.
- Requires utilities to coordinate with the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund.
- Establishes reporting requirements for coal and natural gas usage.
- Designates essential reliability resources for West Virginia generating units in the PJM market.
- Prohibits the retirement of coal or natural gas generating facilities without Commission approval and a dispatchable replacement.
Who is affected
- West Virginia residents
- Electric utilities operating in West Virginia
- Coal industry workers
- Natural gas industry workers
- The Public Service Commission of West Virginia
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours