Energy

HB 4983 authorizes the West Virginia Department of Commerce to implement a legislative rule for certifying microgrid districts and high impact data centers. The rule, which was drafted and modified after review by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee, establishes a formal process for businesses and communities to seek these certifications. This rule directly affects developers of microgrids (localized energy systems) and data centers meeting high impact criteria by setting clear certification standards. The bill does not alter the rule's content but officially authorizes its use as a regulatory tool.

HB 4026 requires West Virginia electric utilities to include detailed analyses of advanced transmission technologies in their integrated resource plans filed with the Public Service Commission. This affects all utilities operating in the state that submit these plans, including major providers like American Electric Power and Dominion Energy. The bill mandates comprehensive assessments of technologies such as advanced conductors, dynamic line rating, and power flow controls, covering their economic feasibility, technical viability, potential benefits, and deployment schedules. These analyses must address how such technologies improve grid efficiency, reliability, and safety for customers. The requirement applies to all new or updated resource plans filed after July 1, 2026.