This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 24-2-1s, to the Code of West Virginia, which mandates that electric substations be constructed near industrial parks for specific high voltage transmission lines. The legislation emphasizes the importance of modern high voltage electric transmission infrastructure for enhancing electric reliability, grid resilience, and economic development in West Virginia. It applies to transmission lines with a designed operating voltage of 400 kilovolts or greater that require Public Service Commission approval. If such a line is within five miles of an industrial park, the construction of a substation near that park is required, with certain limitations on the number of substations based on the length of the transmission line.

The bill outlines various conditions and exemptions related to the construction of substations, including a provision that allows for alternative locations if a documented industrial user is planned nearby. It also includes a review process by the Public Service Commission to ensure that the routing of transmission lines does not circumvent the requirements of the bill. Additionally, the Commission is tasked with making explicit findings regarding the proximity of proposed routes to industrial parks and the existence of reasonable alternative routes. The bill allows for the recovery of costs associated with the required substations and grants the Public Service Commission the authority to create rules for its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 24-2-1s