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 Secretary may certify a maximum of two districts, and the designation of these districts is final.

Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for electric service within these certified districts, stating that entities providing electricity will not be subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission regarding rates and other regulatory requirements. It also establishes that eligible industrial plants or facilities must constitute new electric generating load and may negotiate special electric utility rates with their providers. The provisions of this section are set to expire on June 30, 2028, but will not affect any districts previously approved.

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