This bill amends the Certified Industrial Business Expansion Development Program in West Virginia by removing the requirement that electricity provided to high impact industrial business development districts must be generated from renewable sources. The bill allows for the certification of high impact industrial business development districts by the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development, provided that certain economic impact criteria are met. The bill also outlines the conditions under which electric service can be provided within these districts, including exemptions from Public Service Commission regulations and the ability to negotiate special electric utility rates.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any industrial plant or facility that qualifies as new electric generating load within a certified district is not required to connect with a public electric utility, although they may choose to participate in net metering. The provisions of this bill are set to expire on June 30, 2028, but any districts approved prior to that date will remain unaffected. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the attractiveness of West Virginia for industrial development by providing more flexibility in energy sourcing for high impact industrial business development districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2-21