Bill > HB4110

This bill, titled the "West Virginia Energy Efficiency Jobs Creation Act," aims to empower the Public Service Commission (PSC) to mandate that electric utilities create and implement plans to encourage the efficient use, conservation, and reduction of electricity consumption, setting specific goals for electricity savings and requiring utilities to report on their progress. The bill defines key terms such as "demand response program" (programs that encourage customers to change their electricity usage based on price or incentives), "Commission" (the PSC), "electricity consumption," "peak demand" (the highest electricity usage in a year), and "plan" (a utility's proposal for savings and demand reduction). It requires utilities to develop and implement cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation programs, with specific cumulative electricity savings targets to be met by 2036, starting with 0.5% of 2020 sales by the end of 2027 and increasing annually. Additionally, utilities must implement demand response programs and achieve reductions in peak demand, mirroring the electricity savings targets. Utilities must submit detailed plans to the PSC, including proposals for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with at least 15% of program costs dedicated to low-income, elderly, disabled individuals, or veterans. The PSC will monitor these programs and report annually to the Legislature on their impact, funding recommendations, and electricity usage data. A significant provision is the "self-direct option," allowing large electricity customers (those with annual peak demand of at least two megawatts at a site or 10 megawatts in aggregate) to use up to 80% of their energy efficiency charges to develop and implement their own energy efficiency plans, provided these plans meet specific savings targets and reporting requirements. If these self-directed plans fail to meet minimum goals, customers may face penalties and be required to pay the full energy efficiency charge.

Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4110&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill