It’s Time West Virginia
puts Ratepayers First!
The Problem
Electric bills in West Virginia continue to rise, and many households, especially seniors on fixed incomes, are struggling to keep up. State leaders currently lack a comprehensive plan to protect customers from escalating utility costs or to give the public a stronger voice in decisions that affect their bills. Overwhelming support for the Ratepayer Bill of Rights shows we need strong legislation to ensure fairness, affordability, and transparency in how electricity is regulated and delivered.
The Solution: The Ratepayer Bill of Rights
West Virginians for Energy Freedom has developed the Ratepayer Bill of Rights to help protect all ratepayers before utilities or large corporations.
What the bill does:
✅Reduces shutoffs: Improves safeguards for customers facing disconnection due to high bills, expands bill assistance and energy efficiency programs to help lower monthly costs.
✅ Creates opportunities for cheaper power: Allows residents to access more affordable, locally sourced power - options that are already available to large businesses but not households.
✅ Legalizes plug-in solar: Allows small, plug-in solar systems so residents can choose to lower their bills if they wish.
✅ Improves reliability through battery access: Helps customers access battery backup systems, improving resilience during outages and reducing costs when electricity demand is high.
✅ Expands transparency and public participation: Makes it easier for everyday West Virginians to participate in, and understand, utility regulation proceedings at the Public Service Commission (PSC), especially during rate increase cases.
Why It Matters
Bills are too high: Families need protections when utility costs become unaffordable.
People deserve a voice: Ratepayers should have meaningful input in decisions that affect their bills.
Self-reliance should be an option: West Virginians should be empowered to reduce energy use or produce their own power if they choose.
Reliability must improve: Distributed energy and battery backup can strengthen the grid for everyone.
What You Can Do
Write a letter to your legislators to gain their support on the Ratepayer Bill of Rights!
Sign the Ratepayer Bill of Rights to show your support!
Attend Affordability Day at the Capitol on February 26, and meet with your legislator to talk about the need for ratepayer protections.