PSC plans hearing on proposed rules under West Virginia's recent data center law
The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold a public hearing on September 28 in Charleston to discuss proposed rules for electric-generating capacity. These rules are being developed under House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, largely driven by increasing electricity demand from data center developments across the state. Appalachian Power plans to maintain its coal and natural gas-fired generating capacity to meet future needs.
The West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled a public hearing for September 28 at its Charleston headquarters to review proposed rules concerning electric-generating capacity. These regulations are being formulated under House Bill 2014, known as the Power Generation and Consumption Act.
The initiative comes amid growing electricity demand, particularly from data center developments throughout the state. Industry representatives, including Appalachian Power Director of Government Affairs Sammy Gray, emphasize the continued importance of coal-fired generation in meeting future energy needs. Gray informed the Joint Standing Committee on Energy and Public Works that Appalachian Power aims to operate its coal plants through 2040 and beyond.
Appalachian Power has invested $254.8 million in maintaining three generating facilities and has applied for a $116.2 million low-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Dominance Finance program. This financing would facilitate essential maintenance work while potentially saving ratepayers an estimated $22.5 million in interest costs.