PSC plans hearing on proposed rules under West Virginia's recent data center law
West Virginia PSC plans hearing on proposed rules under recent data center law
Robert Fields | WVOW News
CHARLESTON The West Virginia Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing later this month on proposed rules governing electric-generating capacity.
The hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. September 28 at the PSC headquarters in Charleston. The rules are being developed under House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act.
Anyone who wants to participate in the hearing through public comment, testimony or a presentation must notify the commission by Friday, September 18. Additional materials for the hearing are due September 23.
The issue comes as industry representatives say coal-fired generation will continue to play a role as electricity demand grows, driven largely by data center developments across the state under House Bill 2014.
Appalachian Power Director of Government Affairs Sammy Gray spoke Tuesday with members of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy and Public Works at the state capitol. He said the company plans to maintain its generating capacity for as long as possible, using coal and natural gas to help meet future electricity needs.
Gray says the company hopes to keep its coal plants operating through 2040 and beyond.
Appalachian Power has invested $254.8 million to maintain three generating facilities in its portfolio. The company has also applied for a $116.2 million low-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Dominance Finance program. The financing would allow the company to complete maintenance work while saving ratepayers an estimated $22.5 million in interest costs.
PHOTO | Akshay Chauhan - Unsplash,
