A new poll of West Virginia voters reveals overwhelming public demand for lower energy costs, more access to renewable energy, and stronger accountability from utility companies. The West Virginians for Energy Freedom coalition today launched a bold new Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights to empower consumers and promote fair, affordable, and transparent utility service and policies, addressing the needs of West Virginians.
According to the poll conducted by Echelon Insights, 84% of West Virginians support policies that help reduce utility bills through renewable energy and energy efficiency, while 66% say they would switch to community solar if it saved them money. The data also shows widespread frustration with the status quo—65% of voters disapprove of how the West Virginia Public Service Commission is doing its job, and only 30% believe the state is headed in the right direction.
“These poll results should be a wake-up call for policymakers,” said Emmett Pepper, Policy Director at Energy Efficient West Virginia. “Voters across the political spectrum are demanding lower bills, more energy choices, and accountability from utility companies. West Virginians are pragmatic - they support clean energy when it saves them money and do not support paying extra for coal-fired power. It’s time for our leaders to listen and build an energy future that puts ratepayers first.”
The poll found that while coal remains familiar to voters, most are unwilling to pay more if renewables are cheaper - showing that affordability, not ideology, is guiding energy preferences. In fact, 60% of voters want a larger share of West Virginia’s electricity to come from renewables, and this desire crosses party lines.
The poll also revealed a key gap between perception and reality: nearly half of voters (47%) believe solar is more expensive than coal, but solar generation costs less than coal. Experts and advocates say this misunderstanding helps reinforce policymakers’ decisions that keep West Virginians from accessing savings.
“Misperception and misinformation that solar is a luxury is rampant, but it is actually the opposite,” said Leah Turgeon, West Virginia State Director for Solar United Neighbors. “Solar, including community solar, can lower monthly bills for ratepayers and reduce long-term costs for everyone. We need to break through the myths and give people the facts and the choices they deserve.”
The Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights addresses long-standing issues raised by ratepayers, including frequent rate hikes, poor service reliability, and limited access to energy efficiency and renewable energy options. With utilities proposing significant rate increases across the state, advocates say this tool is urgently needed. The Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights lays out eight core rights for all utility customers in the state. The right to:
Fair and reasonable rates
Reliable and safe service
Transparent and accurate billing
Fair disconnection protections
Energy assistance and efficiency
Renewable energy access
Fair representation and dispute resolution
Public participation and engagement
“West Virginians deserve more than just a monthly bill and rising rates - they deserve a voice,” said Courtney MacDonald, spokesperson for West Virginians for Energy Freedom. “Policymakers adopting this Ratepayer Bill of Rights would ensure that utility companies treat customers with the fairness and dignity they deserve. Political leadership needs to choose people before profits.”
West Virginians for Energy Freedom is urging state lawmakers, regulators, and leaders to adopt the Ratepayers’ Bill of Rights, using it as a guidepost for energy policy decisions. The full document and the results of the poll are available at www.energyfreedomwv.org
About West Virginians for Energy Freedom
West Virginians for Energy Freedom is a nonpartisan coalition working to advance energy choice, affordability, and accountability for families and businesses across the state.