Energy companies serving WV residents sent a mixed message on renewable energy like solar in their 5-year plans filed with the state’s Public Service Commission, say members of our coalition in a Charleston Gazette-Mail article.
Autumn Long, program director for Solar United Neighbors-West Virginia (a founding partner of our coalition), applauds Appalachian Power’s “massive uptick” in rooftop solar adoption but recalls the company’s opposition to Senate Bill 611, a measure to legalize on-site Power Purchase Agreements that stalled in last year’s legislative session.
The bill, which will be re-introduced this year, provides financing options for distributing solar to schools, businesses, and homeowners in the state. “I hope West Virginia lawmakers will take note of this hypocrisy in 2021 and act in the best interests of their constituents rather than bowing to pressure from monopoly utility companies,” Long said.