The bill introduced on February 26, 2025, aims to amend and reenact section 24-2-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to establish the Public Electrical Savings Act. This legislation expands the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to include regulations surrounding onsite energy facilities designed to meet the electrical needs of retail electric customers. Key provisions include the stipulation that power purchase agreements (PPAs) must guarantee customers a lower cost per kilowatt-hour than that offered by the local utility, and that no public entity can enter into a PPA exceeding five years in duration. Additionally, the bill outlines specific limits on the size of onsite energy facilities for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, as well as requirements for notification to utilities regarding PPAs.

The bill also introduces several conditions and limitations regarding the implementation of PPAs, including the requirement for onsite power storage to ensure backup electricity during outages. The PSC is granted authority to inspect meters related to these agreements and to promulgate rules governing interconnections for PPAs. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the PSC does not have jurisdiction over the rates set by municipal power systems, emphasizing that local governing bodies are best suited to regulate these rates. Overall, the Public Electrical Savings Act seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for onsite energy generation while ensuring consumer protections and promoting energy savings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-1