Washington, D.C. – A new white paper by Energy Ventures Analysis (EVA), prepared on behalf of America’s Power, underscores the important role that coal continues to play in keeping electricity prices stable and affordable in West Virginia. The report found that West Virginia’s reliance on coal-based electricity has helped keep prices steady for the past twenty years compared to other states.
“Policies that force utilities to steer away from coal contribute to expensive price hikes for electricity, injecting uncertainty into family budgets and the economy as a whole,” said Michelle Bloodworth, president and CEO of America’s Power. “This paper highlights how states like West Virginia that rely on coal-fired generation enjoy some of the lowest, most affordable retail electricity rates in the country.”
The EVA paper noted that coal remains the dominant source of electricity in West Virginia, responsible for 88% of the state’s generation. At the same time, West Virginia’s retail electricity rates are almost 20% lower than the national average and the second lowest among the 26 states east of the Mississippi River.
“In an economy where everything seems to be getting more expensive, West Virginians have been able to reliably count on coal to keep their electricity rates affordable,” said Chris Hamilton, president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “Politicians and policymakers need to recognize the important role that coal continues to play in stabilizing energy prices for American families.”
West Virginia’s retail electricity rates have been declining since 2016. According to the EVA report, these low rates are due to the state’s reliance on coal-fired generation, its proximity to coal reserves, and its regulated electricity market. Other states that have shuttered coal plants in favor of renewables or natural gas have seen higher electricity prices and increased volatility.
“Government policies that would shutter coal power plants are a threat to Americans’ access to reliable and affordable electricity. These policies can substantially increase costs for utilities, which are then passed along to consumers. Coal is a key to stable electricity prices,” said Bloodworth.
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