West Virginia Senate debates House Bill 2014 on microgrid program for data centers

A pivotal moment for West Virginia's economic future unfolded during the Senate session on April 11, 2025, as lawmakers debated House Bill 2014, which aims to establish a microgrid program to attract data centers to the state. Advocates of the bill emphasized its potential to position West Virginia as a competitive player in the high-tech industry, with one senator expressing gratitude for the opportunity to open doors for growth and innovation.

"This bill is a very important bill," the senator stated, highlighting that it would ensure that taxpayers would not bear the costs of construction for these data centers. Instead, the financial responsibility would fall on the developers, protecting West Virginia ratepayers while fostering economic development.

However, the discussion was not without dissent. A senator from Logan raised concerns about the implications of the bill, suggesting it could lead to deregulation of utilities and potentially increase rates for consumers. He pointed out the significant decline in coal jobs and power plants in the state, questioning the viability of relying on microgrids without adequate demand from data centers.

The debate underscored a broader concern about the future of energy and job creation in West Virginia, as lawmakers grappled with balancing innovation and economic growth against the backdrop of a changing energy landscape. As the session progressed, the fate of House Bill 2014 remained uncertain, with implications that could reshape the state's economic trajectory in the coming years.