Bill > SB57

This bill establishes a new excise tax on electricity production from wind and solar resources in West Virginia, effective January 1, 2026. The tax will be $3 per megawatt hour and applies to electricity produced for sale or trade, with some notable exemptions. Electricity from federal, state, or municipal facilities, as well as personal consumption up to 500 kilowatt hours per 24-hour period, will be exempt. Additionally, new wind turbines and solar panels will receive a three-year tax exemption from the date they first produce electricity for sale. Producers must file annual tax returns by February 1st of the following year and will be subject to penalties for late or non-payment, including interest rates between 12-18% and potential penalties up to 25% of the tax due. The most distinctive feature of the bill is that all tax proceeds will be distributed to West Virginia's 55 counties, specifically to volunteer fire departments that have complied with the Open Checkbook policy, which likely requires financial transparency. The bill aims to generate revenue from renewable energy production while providing a direct financial benefit to local emergency services.