By PSC Chair Charlotte Lane
The Public Service Commission of West Virginia welcomes all forms of energy production. The idea of electricity powered by alternative fuels is popular across the United States and resonates across the globe. These fuels include gas, solar, wind, coal, and even nuclear energy.
In line with that, the Commission is seeing an increased number of applications to approve alternative fuel developments in the Mountain State. Our record shows we have welcomed every alternative fuel application we have received.
A quick review of what has happened recently will give you an idea of the diversity of these applications. We have approved gas-fired, wind-driven, and solar-energized projects.
We have not gotten an application for nuclear power … but if we do … we will give that due consideration, too.
Here’s what we have done in just the last year. In April, we approved the siting in Doddridge County of one of the largest gas-fired electric production plants in the nation. This truly incredible project will provide enough power for 1.8 million homes annually. Furthermore, the $3.3 billion development will not affect any of your rates.
Also last April, we approved a major solar power plant and accompanying battery storage unit in Mineral County. Last December, we endorsed one wind and seven solar projects in conjunction with the state of Virginia. We authorized a major solar project in Mason County last October.
What we do is take each application we receive and give it a fair hearing. I am pleased to say we have approved every alternative energy source petition we have received. Our website has a link called Renewable Energy Projects that lists all the renewables we have approved, and it provides details of those cases. Please take a look.
Coal remains the primary source in West Virginia for electricity production because it is reliable. Maintenance of reliability is one of our top goals. Coal produces electricity at night or when the wind is not blowing.
And while we continue to burn coal, we welcome all forms of energy. I can assure you we will continue to give every application a fair hearing and decide on the merits.