This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a provision that prohibits any rate increases for West Virginia electric rate payers specifically for the construction of transmission lines intended to export electricity to other states. The new legal language states that any power exported will be absorbed by the rate payers or industries in the neighboring state that utilizes the electricity, ensuring that West Virginia consumers do not bear the financial burden of these transmission expansions.

The bill emphasizes that no rate increase shall be approved for the purpose of expanding transmission systems that primarily benefit consumers in another state. This legislative change seeks to protect West Virginia residents from potential financial impacts associated with out-of-state electricity exports, reinforcing the principle that local rate payers should not subsidize infrastructure that serves external markets.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-18