The proposed bill, titled the "Securing West Virginia Baseload Coal Generation and Ratepayer Protection Act," aims to establish operational capacity requirements for electric utility generators in West Virginia. It mandates that all electric utility generators operate at an optimum capacity factor of 69% until 2040, as directed by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Additionally, the bill requires that each electric generating unit maintain a 45-day supply of base fuel on-site to ensure reliability. The Public Service Commission is tasked with promulgating rules to implement these requirements and to oversee the economic dispatch of coal-fired power plants, ensuring they operate effectively for the benefit of state ratepayers.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific actions that power-generating utilities must undertake, including submitting supplemental information to their Integrated Resource Plans within 90 days of the bill's effective date. This information should detail plans for maintaining and upgrading existing plants through 2040, as well as an analysis of extending the life of current generation resources. The bill also prohibits utilities from using funds secured under certain provisions to cease operations or decommission any electric generating units without prior approval from the Public Service Commission. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the reliability and economic viability of coal power generation in West Virginia while protecting the interests of ratepayers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-9-1, 24-9-2, 24-9-3, 24-9-4