Trump promised to cut electric costs in half. Bills in energy-rich West Virginia now top mortgages
News ClipCBS News·Berkeley County, WV·4/11/2026
West Virginians are facing skyrocketing electricity bills, often exceeding mortgages, despite the state's energy resources. This issue is fueling public anger and political debate, with some residents opposing the rapid development of power-intensive data centers, such as a recently announced $4 billion project in Berkeley County, due to concerns over resource strain and utility costs. The article highlights the discrepancy between political promises to lower energy costs and the reality of rising bills across the state and nationwide.
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Gov: West Virginia Public Service Commission, Governor Patrick Morrisey's office, West Virginia state legislature, White House
Residents across West Virginia are struggling with soaring electricity bills that, in some cases, surpass rent and mortgage payments, despite the state's abundant energy resources. Rebecca Michalski, a resident on a fixed income, reported a February electric bill of $940.08, exceeding her monthly income, forcing her to take out a loan to avoid a cut-off.
The rising costs contradict former President Donald Trump's campaign promise to cut electricity bills in half, as national electricity prices increased by 4.8% in February year-over-year. West Virginia, once boasting the nation's cheapest electricity in 2005, has seen one of the fastest increases, with average household rates surging 73% from 2015 to 2025, according to the state's Public Service Commission. The state's continued reliance on aging coal-fired power plants, championed by its Republican-led government, is cited as a significant factor.
Adding to the strain, residents are wary of the growing number of "power-gobbling data centers" being built or supported by politicians in West Virginia. Governor Patrick Morrisey proudly announced a $4 billion data center project spanning 550 acres in Berkeley County in February, projected to consume 600 megawatts and cover 1.9 million square feet, without specifying its water or electricity sources. This development has sparked opposition among some residents concerned about noise pollution, huge water consumption, and further increases to ratepayers' electricity prices.
The affordability crisis extends beyond electricity, impacting natural gas and water bills, and is becoming a significant political issue, prompting voter backlash in other states. While the causes of nationwide utility price hikes are complex, including infrastructure upgrades and extreme weather, the growth of energy-intensive data centers is a prominent concern for West Virginians who feel exploited by external companies leveraging their state's resources.