The bill establishes the Power Generation and Consumption Act of 2025 in West Virginia, introducing the Certified Microgrid Program under the Division of Economic Development. Key amendments include the removal of the requirement for high impact business development districts to be located on specific lands and the elimination of the necessity for electrical service to these districts to be generated from renewable sources. The legislation also allows for the certification of high impact data centers, prohibits certain tax arrangements, and provides special valuation for these properties. Additionally, it outlines criteria for certifying microgrid districts, including economic impact and new electric load requirements, while emphasizing the importance of data centers for economic growth and national security.

Furthermore, the bill creates the Electric Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to support electric grid initiatives and standardizes regulations for certified microgrid districts and high impact data centers, preventing local governments from imposing restrictive measures. It mandates the distribution of ad valorem property tax revenue from high impact data centers and prohibits payments in lieu of taxes or tax increment financing for these properties. The bill also includes provisions to ensure that public utilities cannot use specific funds for retiring electric generating plants and allows utilities serving both West Virginia and other jurisdictions to recover costs from West Virginia customers under certain conditions. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the state's economic framework and promote the development of high-tech 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
Committee Substitute: 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
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 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
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 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