Energy research group praises Morrisey’s plan for 'responsible' West Virginia data centers
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has unveiled a new 20-year framework, the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan, to attract data center investment while protecting ratepayers, water resources, and communities. The plan requires data center developers to take responsibility for their electricity needs and associated infrastructure costs. An energy policy research organization, Always On Energy Research, has endorsed the plan, citing its potential for economic growth and grid reliability.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has introduced the West Virginia Responsible Data Center Development Plan, a 20-year framework designed to attract data center investment while safeguarding electricity customers, grid reliability, water resources, and local communities. The plan outlines expectations for developers, including procuring their own energy resources, covering infrastructure upgrade costs, and coordinating with utilities during peak demand.
Amy Cooke, president and board chair of Always On Energy Research, an energy policy research organization, has expressed support for Morrisey's plan. Cooke emphasized that economic growth and grid reliability can coexist with the right policies in place, particularly by requiring data centers to manage their own power needs and contribute to infrastructure. She also highlighted West Virginia's competitive electricity rates as an advantage for attracting such investments.
The framework also addresses broader community impacts, calling for new standards related to water use, noise, property setbacks, and security. It directs a portion of new data center revenue towards state and local governments and infrastructure projects. Morrisey stated that the plan aims to provide clear expectations for developers, ensuring that data center growth benefits the state without burdening residents or straining the electric grid, building on previous legislation signed in 2025 to expand microgrid opportunities and streamline permitting for large-scale projects.