This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the requirements for Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) that utility companies must submit to the Public Service Commission. Specifically, it mandates that these plans include a comprehensive analysis of current and potential future uses of advanced transmission technologies, which are defined as technologies that improve the capacity, efficiency, reliability, resiliency, or safety of electric transmission infrastructure. The bill requires utilities to assess the economic and technical feasibility of these technologies, as well as to provide detailed information on costs, benefits, and deployment timelines.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that all IRPs filed, amended, supplemented, or revised after July 1, 2026, must include this comprehensive analysis. The analysis should estimate the total costs of potential advanced transmission technologies, the costs allocated to West Virginia retail customers, and the benefits to these customers, such as reduced costs from increased capacity and efficiency. This legislative change aims to optimize grid performance and enhance the reliability and resiliency of electric services in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-19
Committee Substitute: 24-2-19