Opinon
By Gary Zuckett
Executive Director, WV Citizen Action
The op-ed recently published in the Gazette-Mail by Chris Hamilton hails coal-fired electricity as poised to meet anticipated growing demand, while Attorney General JB McCuskey claims that coal and gas are the most reliable and cost-effective energy sources. However, these assertions neglect the financial realities that West Virginia's ratepayers face, the health and legacy costs of fossil resource extraction and consumption, as well as the opportunities presented by renewable energy. Mr Hamilton’s opinions go along well with his position as head of the WV Coal Association. I’m not sure why our incoming AG feels a need to pick winners and losers in the energy marketplace.
The True Cost of Coal
West Virginians already bear some of the highest electricity costs in the nation, largely due to an overreliance on aging coal-fired plants. According to recent reports, coal-fired electricity has become increasingly expensive compared to alternatives like wind and solar. This isn't just a national trend; it hits particularly hard here in West Virginia, where utilities continually pass the rising costs of coal onto consumers through its monopoly regulated by our Public Service Commission.
Renewable energy sources, by contrast, are now some of the most affordable forms of electricity generation. Solar and wind prices have plummeted over the last decade, while coal power is now the second most costly way to generate power (nuclear being the first) due to fuel expenses, maintenance, and emissions compliance. This price disparity places an unnecessary burden on everyday West Virginians who simply want affordable electricity.
Who Should Pay for Coal?
Now that our state is being sized up for several power-hungry data centers who may prefer coal-fired power, we need to make sure that residential ratepayers are not forced to subsidize their choices. Allowing industrial customers to dictate energy policy shifts too much of the financial burden onto households and small businesses. If data centers want to use coal power, they should pay the full cost of that preference, not expect West Virginia families to absorb higher electricity bills so their corporations can make higher profits.
A Future of Choice and Fairness
Our energy landscape is evolving. Advances in technology and grid management show that renewable energy sources can meet demand reliably. More importantly, renewables give West Virginians a chance to break free from the cycle of rising coal costs while creating jobs in growing industries.
Investing in a diversified energy mix that includes renewables, energy storage, efficiency, and grid upgrades will reduce costs for ratepayers and boost economic growth. It will ensure the state remains competitive in attracting new industries who are requiring access to carbon-free power. We cannot afford to ignore these new opportunities while clinging to outdated energy sources that continue to financially burden our families and businesses.
West Virginia deserves a fair energy future—one where ratepayers aren't footing the bill for the preferences of a few big users and where affordable, reliable electricity is available to everyone.