The bill 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 various public utilities and services, particularly focusing on the generation and transmission of electrical energy. Notably, it introduces new provisions regarding onsite energy facilities, specifically those utilizing power purchase agreements (PPAs) for retail electric customers. The bill stipulates that these agreements must guarantee lower costs than those offered by local utilities, include provisions for onsite power storage, and cannot exceed five years in duration.

Key changes include the insertion of specific conditions for PPAs, such as limits on the size of onsite generators for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and requirements for utilities to notify customers about capacity limits. Additionally, the PSC is granted authority to inspect meters related to these agreements and to promulgate rules for their implementation. The bill also clarifies that municipal power systems will be regulated by local governing bodies rather than the PSC, emphasizing the local control over rates and charges. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework for electrical savings initiatives while ensuring consumer protections and local governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-1