Your browser doesn't support audio playback.
In just the last five years, overall electric rates in West Virgina have increased more than 24.5% slightly below the national average of 28%. That’s according to Heatmap, an environmental tracker that breaks down bills all the way to the ZIP code level.
When looking at congressional districts in West Virginia, the bills in District 1 — which covers the southern half of the state — have increased nearly 33%. District 2 bills have increased more than 26% in the same period.
The stretch of counties from Mercer to Mason counties in the southern and western parts of the state have the highest average electric bills at more than $215 per month.
Bills in the central part of the state between Pendleton and Wood, and up to Monongalia counties have the lowest monthly average at $135. That’s an $80 a month difference.
Overall, customers of Mon Power are in the lower range while customers of Appalachian Power are in the highest. But Mon Power’s bills have risen 29.3% in the last five years compared to 20.9% for Appalachian Power.
West Virginia is the most coal-dependent state for electricity generation. Kentucky ranks second. Average electricity bills in Kentucky have increased 20% since 2021.