By: Mike Tony
FirstEnergy customers in West Virginia will see their bills increase to support company-generated solar energy.
They’ll also be compensated less than they should be for customer-generated solar energy if state regulators approve another FirstEnergy utility rate increase request, ratepayer advocates say.
By Briana Heaney
Currently solar customers can sell any excess solar energy they have back to the power companies for the same price that the company sells the energy. However, the power companies are proposing that they pay solar customers a lower “wholesale” price.
Mon Power and Potomac Edison filed a proposal with the Public Service Commission to change the cost of energy for solar panel owners, changing the net metering system as it is now.
Currently solar customers can sell any excess solar energy they have back to the power companies for the same price that the company sells the energy. However, the power companies are proposing that they pay solar customers a lower “wholesale” price.
By: Mike Tony
Mon Power and Potomac Edison ratepayers aren’t off the hook even after the recent sale of the coal-fired Pleasants Power Station in Pleasants County to a different buyer.
The FirstEnergy-controlled utilities reported in a filing with the West Virginia Public Service Commission last week they plan to seek recovery of costs of roughly $350,000, plus additional costs not yet recorded, following their PSC-ordered consideration of buying the plant.
Title:
Coalition Coordinator, WV4EF
Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Campaign Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight for our organization's comprehensive advocacy campaigns. The Campaign Coordinator will be responsible for convening and leading teams to develop and execute strategies that build a movement of people, engage communities, drive policy shifts, and promote a clean, equitable, and sustainable energy economy in West Virginia. This role involves fostering collaboration, guiding the implementation of key initiatives, mobilizing stakeholders, and ensuring the achievement of work plan objectives and outcomes.
This is an eighteen month long contracted position that is grant funded; accountability details for the position are listed below in the “responsibilities” section of this posting. The position may be extended beyond the 18 month timeframe if coalition funding allows and coalition leadership approves a new contract.
Responsibilities:
Convene and lead campaign teams to develop comprehensive strategies that build a movement of people and drive political and regulatory shifts for a clean, equitable, and sustainable economy in West Virginia.
Provide strategic guidance and oversight for organizing and coordinating informational meetings in 18 communities across WV (approximately 1 per month), empowering public advocacy and community engagement.
Facilitate the implementation of follow-up 1:1 meetings, small group trainings, and webinars to further train and support meeting attendees and civic organizations committed to taking action.
Guide the process of moving action takers up the ladder of engagement, translating their involvement into higher levels of advocacy, such as sharing petitions, becoming speakers at public hearings, or hosting community meetings.
Lead recruitment efforts to expand the WV4EF Coalition, cultivating relationships and collaboration among coalition members.
Collaborate with existing community organizations, including offering support for WV4EF work that they agree to implement.
Drive regulatory advocacy efforts by providing strategic guidance for intervening in relevant filings, engaging with regulatory bodies, and influencing policy decisions.
Oversee the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives, ensuring the delivery of a compelling narrative that showcases the negative impact of continued reliance on fossil fuel based energy sources.
Collaborate with communications agencies to develop messaging materials that support community meetings, training, and advocacy during regulatory proceedings.
Ensure the integration of WV4EF's perspective and narrative in press coverage related to the coalition's intervention in PSC cases.
Lead efforts to educate lawmakers on the impact of continued reliance on fossil fuel based energy sources, fostering relationships and engaging elected officials at local, state, and municipal levels.
Identify and nurture elected champions who will actively promote the coalition's message and objectives.
Monitor campaign progress, analyze data, and provide strategic guidance to teams, making adjustments to maximize impact and achieve desired outcomes.
This person will report directly to the WVCAEF Director for personnel matters, and will follow the work plan established by the entire WV4EF coalition.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., political science, public policy, communications) or equivalent practical experience.
Proven experience in campaign management, advocacy/organizing, or related roles, with a track record of successful outcomes.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and guide teams to achieve common goals.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
In-depth knowledge of campaign planning, community organizing, grassroots advocacy, and regulatory proceedings (preferred).
Familiarity with effective communication strategies, including digital and printed materials, media engagement, and storytelling.
Experience in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, policymakers, and influencers.
Proficiency in project management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management.
Analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making and optimize campaign strategies.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Passion for social and environmental justice, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in West Virginia.
Compensation Range:
$4,444- $5,833/month for 18 months
Contract compensation will be negotiated with hiree based on commensurate experience. This is an eighteen month contract. This is an independent contractor position.
To apply:
West Virginians for Energy Freedom offers this job posting to all who are interested in applying. We are a coalition led by WV Solar United Neighbors, WV Citizen Action Education Fund, Energy Efficient WV, and WV based Sierra Club representatives. We will accept resumes and cover letters on a rolling basis. Please send resume and cover letter to robin@eewv.org.
By Brad McElhinny
Several groups are objecting to a Public Service Commission order that power companies should continue to explore the takeover of Pleasants Power Station.
West Virginia Citizen Action Group, Solar United Neighbors and Energy Efficient West Virginia filed a motion for the PSC to reconsider its order earlier this month. The West Virginia Energy Users Group, comprised of some of the state’s biggest industrial customers, separately filed a statement in support of those groups’ position.
…
“The Commission does not have authority to charge customers of a public utility simply to funnel money to a non-jurisdictional facility with the goal of controlling its operational and employment decisions,” the groups wrote.
By Curtis Tate
Late last month, the West Virginia Public Service Commission signed off on a proposal to keep the Pleasants Power Station from shutting down at the end of May. Consumer and environmental groups, large industrial users and even the PSC’s Consumer Advocate testified against it.
Karan May, the senior campaign representative in Central Appalachia for the Sierra Club, was present at the hearing that preceded the PSC’s decision. She spoke with Curtis Tate about it.