Charleston, WV– West Virginians from across the state gathered at the State Capitol today for Affordability Day, urging lawmakers to take action on rising electric bills and support a proposed Ratepayer Bill of Rights that would prioritize affordability, strengthen consumer protections, and improve transparency in our utilities.
At a press conference held at the Capitol, residents, advocates, and state leaders shared personal stories and policy solutions aimed at addressing the growing burden of electric costs on families, seniors, and small businesses. Speakers emphasized that electricity is a basic necessity, not a luxury, and that West Virginians deserve a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their monthly bills.
The event underscored growing legislative interest in advancing affordability-focused reforms. Bill sponsor Delegate Jeff Eldridge spoke about the need for a comprehensive approach to protecting ratepayers amid continued rate increases.
“This proposed act is about putting common sense back into how we regulate electricity,” Delegate Eldridge said. “It ensures affordability is formally considered, strengthens consumer protections, and brings transparency to decisions that affect every household and business in West Virginia. We, as a society, need to protect the vulnerable and those that are having difficulty providing for themselves. That’s a responsibility we owe ourselves and our constituents.”
Speakers highlighted how rising energy costs disproportionately impact seniors on fixed incomes, medically vulnerable residents, and rural households with limited options to manage or reduce their bills.
“West Virginians are doing everything right, but the system isn’t working for them,” said Emmett Pepper, Legal and Policy Director at Energy Efficient West Virginia. “Electric bills have skyrocketed, yet the decision-making process is confusing for many. The Ratepayer Bill of Rights is about making sure affordability and transparency are at the center of utility regulation.”
“Too many families are forced to make impossible choices between keeping the lights on or paying for groceries and medication,” said Courtney MacDonald, coalition coordinator for West Virginians for Energy Freedom. “Affordability Day is about sending a clear message: West Virginians deserve basic protections and utilities that work for people, not just themselves.”
Speakers also pointed to the role that locally generated energy and consumer choice can play in lowering long-term costs and strengthening grid resilience.
“Solar is one of the most practical tools we have to help families take control of their energy costs,” said Leah Turgeon, West Virginia Program Director for Solar United Neighbors, highlighting provisions that would expand access to customer-owned and plug-in solar options. “If people want to reduce their costs by going solar, utility regulation laws should allow them to do that.”
Organized by West Virginians for Energy Freedom, Affordability Day included meetings between constituents and legislators throughout the day. Participants encouraged lawmakers to support the Ratepayer Bill of Rights and to advance policies that recognize electricity as an essential service critical to health, safety, and economic stability.
For more information or to sign the Ratepayer Bill of Rights, visit https://www.energyfreedomwv.org/affordability-day