The bill introduced on February 27, 2025, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 5B-1-3a, which grants the Secretary of Commerce the authority to develop a competition plan for electric service providers in the state. This plan will allow users of electricity to access a competitive market across existing and new utility delivery systems. The Department of Commerce is tasked with submitting this plan to the Legislature for approval, ensuring that it includes market-based competition among multiple electrical utility operators within designated geographical regions.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for any deregulation plan approved by the Legislature, which includes providing consumers with essential information about electrical production methods, environmental management, and subsidy disclosures. It also mandates that electrical utility operators maintain a minimum average daily utilization rate and reserve capacity to enhance grid reliability. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that maintenance of the electrical grid and transmission infrastructure must be managed by separate entities, with costs factored into consumer rates. Overall, the legislation seeks to foster competition and transparency in the electric service market in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-1-3a