SB 420
West Virginia First Energy Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
Senate Bill 420, the West Virginia First Energy Act, aims to stabilize electricity rates and preserve West Virginia’s coal and natural gas industries. The bill requires utilities to maintain a minimum utilization rate for coal-fired power plants, maintain on-site fuel inventories, and restricts investment in new intermittent generation sources like wind and solar. Rate increases are contingent on compliance with these requirements, and the Public Service Commission will oversee PJM market participation to maximize benefits for West Virginia ratepayers.
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 investment in new intermittent generation resources (wind and solar).
- Conditions rate increases on compliance with utilization and fuel inventory requirements.
- Requires utilities to report on coal purchases and natural gas utilization.
- Establishes oversight of PJM market participation to maximize benefits for West Virginia ratepayers.
- Prohibits the retirement of coal or natural gas generating facilities without Commission approval and a dispatchable replacement.
- Coordinates with the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Utilities
- Coal Industry
- Natural Gas Industry
- Electric Consumers in West Virginia
- Public Service Commission of West Virginia
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