The proposed bill seeks to establish a Certified Microgrid Program under the Division of Economic Development in West Virginia, renaming the existing Industrial Business Expansion Development Program to the Microgrid Development Program. It allows any plant or facility to participate, while removing previous restrictions that required high impact business development districts to be located on specific lands and to utilize renewable energy sources. The bill introduces new provisions for certifying high impact data centers, prohibits certain tax incentives under specific conditions, and establishes a special valuation process for properties associated with these data centers. Additionally, it outlines the certification process for microgrid districts, eligibility criteria for electric service, and allows for special electric utility rates for microgrid customers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the High Impact Data Center Program, recognizing West Virginia's strategic advantages for data center development. It mandates that data centers notify the Division upon meeting high-impact criteria and ensures confidentiality of business information. Local governments are prohibited from enacting regulations that could impede the establishment of certified microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. The legislation also creates the Electronic Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to support electric grid stability, emphasizes the importance of data centers for national security, and introduces a Personal Income Tax Reduction Fund funded by high impact data centers. Additionally, it mandates electric utilities to source deficient capacity from in-state generation and outlines new requirements for integrated resource plans, aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the state's energy infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5B-2-21, 24-2-1d, 24-2-1q, 24-2-15, 24-2-19, 5B-2-21a, 5B-2-21b, 5B-2N-2a, 11B-2-33, 11-6N-1, 11-6N-2, 11-6N-3, 11-6N-4, 11-6N-5