West Virginians Face Rising Electricity Costs
William Worley and his wife have been making small changes to cut their electricity use in their Raleigh County home. They’ve switched to energy-efficient bulbs and even turn off their HVAC unit when the weather allows. But despite their efforts, their power bills have skyrocketed. In January, their bill hit nearly $700, and by February, it jumped to $760.
“We’ve lived here for over 20 years now, and it’s never been this bad,” Worley said.
And they’re not alone. Many West Virginians are feeling the pinch as electricity costs continue to climb. Lawmakers say they want to help, but the key proposal moving through the state legislature could actually make power bills even worse.
Proposed Bill Could Increase Costs
Earlier this month, the Senate Energy Committee reviewed a bill focused on electricity reliability and affordability. The measure would require utility companies to prove that any changes in how they generate energy still meet peak demand before passing costs to consumers.
Critics argue that this bill would discourage investment in renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Unlike coal, which provides constant power, these energy sources vary based on weather conditions. As a result, utilities may struggle to recover their costs when investing in renewables, while coal-fired power plants could continue receiving financial backing.
Supporters of the bill, including the West Virginia Coal Association, believe it will encourage utilities to run coal plants more frequently. However, power companies argue that coal is already a major reason for rising energy costs.
Coal Prices Are Driving Up Power Bills
“The biggest factor in whether a plant runs each day is the cost of the fuel we use,” said Randall Short, director of regulatory services for Appalachian Power.
Short explained that the average Appalachian Power bill has risen by nearly $50 since 2019, with 60% of that increase due to higher fuel costs. Coal, once West Virginia’s cheapest energy source, has become increasingly expensive compared to natural gas and renewables.
Despite this, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) previously required Appalachian Power to operate its coal plants at least 69% of the time, even when it wasn’t economically viable. This decision has faced pushback, and a recent agreement between the PSC and the Sierra Club has softened that requirement.
Lawmakers’ Bill Adds More Paperwork, Not Solutions
The Senate’s proposed bill would require the PSC to ensure that utilities comply with new reporting requirements. However, PSC Chairwoman Charlotte Lane believes the bill would change very little.
“This bill, I’m sure, has good intentions, but it’s difficult to understand what it’s trying to accomplish,” Lane testified before lawmakers.
She explained that aside from creating extra paperwork, the PSC is already handling the issues outlined in the bill.
Power Companies Warn of Higher Bills
While the bill may not significantly impact the PSC, power companies warn that it could increase costs for consumers. FirstEnergy, the parent company of Mon Power and Potomac Edison, says the bill could create “significant administrative burdens” and lead to even higher utility bills.
Appalachian Power agrees, saying the bill shifts focus away from affordability and could make it harder to attract businesses to West Virginia.
“If this is the path lawmakers choose, we’ll follow it, but it could raise electricity bills for our customers,” said Aaron Walker, president of Appalachian Power.
Meanwhile, back in Raleigh County, Worley is bracing for even higher bills as Appalachian Power seeks another rate increase from the PSC.
“Everything just keeps getting more expensive—power, food, and who knows what else,” he said.
FAQs
1. Why are electricity costs rising in West Virginia?
Electricity prices have gone up due to the increasing cost of coal, which is still the state’s main energy source. Since 2019, the average power bill for Appalachian Power customers has increased by about $50, with 60% of that increase tied to fuel costs.
2. What does the proposed bill aim to do?
The bill requires power companies to prove that their energy production changes meet reliability needs before passing costs onto customers. However, critics argue it could discourage investment in renewable energy and ultimately raise costs.
3. How does this bill affect renewable energy?
Because solar and wind don’t generate continuous power, this bill could make it harder for utilities to recover costs when investing in renewable energy, potentially forcing them to rely more on coal.
4. Will this bill make electricity cheaper?
Power companies warn that it won’t. Instead, it could lead to even higher utility bills by increasing administrative costs and discouraging cheaper energy alternatives.
5. What can West Virginians do to lower their power bills?
Residents can try using energy-efficient appliances, reducing heating and cooling usage, and monitoring their power consumption. However, as long as coal remains the dominant energy source, high costs are likely to continue.
