The bill proposes extensive amendments to the Code of West Virginia, primarily focusing on the establishment of a Certified Microgrid Development Program within the Division of Economic Development. It renames the existing Industrial Business Expansion Program to the Microgrid Development Program, allowing any plant or facility to participate while removing previous location and renewable energy generation requirements for high-impact business development districts. The legislation introduces provisions for certifying high-impact data centers, prohibits certain tax incentives under specific conditions, and establishes a specialized property tax formula for these centers. Additionally, it creates new definitions and eligibility criteria for microgrid customers and outlines the responsibilities of electric service providers, while prohibiting payments in lieu of taxes and tax increment financing for electricity generation and distribution properties under certain circumstances.

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, with the Secretary of the Department of Commerce responsible for certification. The bill ensures confidentiality for business information from data centers and prohibits local regulations that could impede certified microgrid districts and data centers. It also creates the Electronic Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to support electric grid stability, particularly concerning coal and natural gas resources. Key provisions include requirements for high-impact data centers to file annual returns and specific rules for tax distribution, with a sunset clause for program review by December 31, 2055. Additionally, the bill mandates utilities to source deficient capacity from in-state coal or gas, maintain coal supplies for grid resiliency, and implement detailed maintenance plans for generating units, aiming to enhance the reliability and cost-effectiveness of electric power generation in West Virginia.

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