Happy Holidays to you and yours!

DECEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

WV4EF would like to thank you all for being an integral part of our fight for a more prosperous and sustainable energy system statewide.

With over 1,100 letters protesting the threat toward solar energy, there is a lot to celebrate going into this new year. But our fight isn’t over yet.
On January 20, we’ll be protesting changes to net metering and impending rate hikes at the West Virginia State Capitol, and we encourage you to join us! Register here for the Save Our Solar Rally!

REGISTER

In the News

Under utilities’ proposed changes, solar panels could become unaffordable to many West Virginians

A metering change requested by Mon Power and Potomac Edison would change the amount of money the utilities have to pay for electricity generated from rooftop panels. In a state with little solar, this could further stifle the industry.

READ MORE

Utilities propose slashing energy credit in half for customers with solar

More than 3,000 West Virginia homes and businesses participate in rooftop solar net metering programs.

READ MORE

Events

Clarksburg Winterfest

Clarksburg residents certainly weren’t short of holiday cheer… or a desire to keep their energy bills down! Our table at Clarksburg Winterfest garnered plenty of interest from folks who are frustrated with rising electricity and utility costs. Many expressed concern that their fixed incomes are being stretched more than ever by FirstEnergy companies. More than one person told us “Christmas will be tight this year.”

WVU Tailgate

As it turns out, WVU fans are as passionate about energy freedom as they are about football (... okay, almost). With over 60 signatures on the net metering petition and dozens of wonderful conversations, it’s safe to say we will be back next year! WV4EF would also like to thank the West Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club and the WVU Sierra Student Coalition for all of their help in spreading the word about our tailgate table.

West Edge Black Satur-yay

WV4EF’s Robin Blakeman spoke with folks at Coalfield Development’s West Edge Factory Black Satur-yay event in Huntington. Attendees stopped by our table to learn more about energy efficiency, encouraging local government to reduce taxpayer’s utility costs, and contacting the Public Service Commission to ask for ratepayer protections.

Movie Screening at Huntington’s First Congregational Church

WV4EF and Huntington’s First Congregational Church hosted a fantastic movie night in partnership with Solar United Neighbors. The Transformation Cannot Be Stopped sheds light on how different industries—like utilities, automobiles, technology, and defense—can improve the aging power grid.

Mark Your Calendar

Charleston West Side Resource Fair

Date and location TBD. Be on the lookout!

WV4EF will be partnering with Energy Efficient West Virginia and other local organizations to provide resources for those impacted by the recent West Side water and gas crisis. This event will help connect impacted individuals with legal information, elected officials, energy efficiency and weatherization resources, and more. Event details are still being confirmed, so keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and share information with anyone you know who might be interested!

Save Our Solar Rally at WV State Capitol Building

January 20 at 2pm

Join us for what promises to be an incredibly energetic event at the West Virginia State Capitol! We’ll be protesting proposed changes to net metering rules inside the Capitol building. Enthusiastic members of our organization and ratepayers across the state will take action to show legislators how much we care about energy freedom, access to sustainable energy, and energy justice. We’ll also be offering free transportation to the rally, live music, swag, and more! Join us by registering here.

Take Action

Charleston Residents:

Oppose pending West Virginia American Water and Mountaineer Gas rate hikes by writing a letter to the WV Public Service Commission.

Would you like WV4EF to speak with your community, group, or organization about energy freedom? Contact courtney@energyfreedomwv.org.

TAKE ACTION