Bill > HB4971

This bill requires electric utilities proposing to build high voltage transmission lines (400 kilovolts or greater) that require Public Service Commission (PSC) approval to include a report in their application detailing potential substation locations near "business ready sites," which are sites certified by the Secretary of Commerce as suitable for business development. This report must include maps of practical substation locations, details of site preparation work, projected costs for preparation and construction, funding plans, and a proposed mechanism for recovering these costs. The PSC will review this information and can approve site preparation work for substations that are expected to have the greatest positive economic impact, considering factors like job creation and investment. Upon PSC approval, utilities can proceed with site preparation and recover associated costs, excluding any contributions to return, operation, maintenance, depreciation, and taxes, through specific rate adjustments, with the stipulation that these costs will not be borne by residential ratepayers. The bill also allows for accounting accruals and deferral of certain costs for future recovery, and mandates that the PSC make explicit findings regarding the proximity to business ready sites, the existence of alternative routes, and whether the proposed route avoids the bill's requirements. The PSC is also granted authority to create rules to implement these provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4971&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill