State Leaders Unveil Data Center Development Plan; Some Skeptical
West Virginia leaders, including Gov. Patrick Morrisey, unveiled the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan, aimed at attracting hyperscale data centers through criteria established by House Bill 2014. However, Energy Efficient WV expressed skepticism, questioning why FirstEnergy is seeking to charge ratepayers for a power plant if developers are meant to procure their own energy resources.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, alongside state leaders, introduced the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan on Tuesday. The initiative aims to position the state as a technology leader by attracting hyperscale data centers, building on the legislative framework provided by House Bill 2014, which was enacted in April 2025. Morrisey emphasized the state's rich energy history and the potential for high-paying, durable jobs.
The plan establishes development criteria for these large-scale facilities. However, Emmett Pepper, policy director for Energy Efficient WV, voiced significant skepticism regarding its efficacy in protecting ratepayers. Pepper questioned why FirstEnergy is seeking state approval to charge West Virginia ratepayers $2.5 billion for a power plant intended for data centers, if the plan mandates that developers "must build, bring, or procure their own energy resources."
Pepper asserted that while protections would be welcome, they were not adequately included in HB2014. He urged the legislature and governor to implement further measures, such as requiring utilities to adopt large load tariffs to shield ratepayers and allocating state tax revenue from counties and municipalities for ratepayer relief initiatives like avoiding utility shutoffs, energy efficiency programs, and battery backup services for more reliable utility service.