The bill proposes extensive amendments to the Code of West Virginia, primarily focusing on the establishment of a Certified Microgrid Development Program and the renaming of the existing Industrial Business Expansion Program to the Microgrid Development Program. It allows 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 criteria for microgrid districts, emphasizing their economic impact and the importance of data centers for national security.

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 of Economic Development upon meeting high-impact criteria, with the Secretary of the Department of Commerce responsible for certification. The bill also protects confidential business information from the Freedom of Information Act and prohibits local regulations that could impede certified microgrid districts and data centers. It creates the Electronic Grid Stabilization and Security Fund to support electric grid stability and outlines new requirements for electric utilities, including sourcing capacity from in-state coal or gas and maintaining a minimum coal supply for grid resiliency. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance West Virginia's attractiveness for data centers and improve the reliability of its electric power generation.

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