Appalachian Power’s president says a bill in the state Senate could raise electric bills for residents.
Aaron Walker, Appalachian Power’s president and operating chief, says the company will follow the policy path the legislature chooses, but that Senate Bill 505 could raise costs.
The bill would encourage the West Virginia Public Service Commission to favor fossil fuel and nuclear-generated electricity. The vast majority of the state’s electricity already comes from coal.
SB 505 would discourage investment in renewables because they are intermittent sources, meaning they don’t generate power all the time.
On a nationwide level, though, wind and solar have surpassed coal in electricity generation.
“Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power use a diverse approach to generating electricity, which helps keep costs down and attract new customers while retaining existing ones,” Walker said in a statement. “If this bill passes, it would negatively impact our ability to meet the needs of our new and existing customers who require a diverse generation portfolio.”
He added it could make it more difficult for the state to attract and retain businesses.
A spokeswoman said the company is following the bill and will have a representative to speak about its concerns.
The Senate Energy, Industry and Mining Committee approved the bill last week and sent it to the Government Organization Committee.