June 12, 2023

Source: Eyewitness News

Excerpt: 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Appalachian Power is asking for approval for work on renewable energy projects, and it says it’s because companies coming to West Virginia are asking for it. 

West Virginia’s power source is currently about 5% renewable energy, but the utility company said companies coming to the state are now demanding to run on at least 20% renewables to keep a certain carbon footprint. 

“It’s one of the first things they ask,” Philip Moye, director of communications for Appalachian Power said. “So if we don’t have that available, or if companies aren’t able to do that, it limits our ability to grow as a state.”

It’s infrastructure the state just doesn’t have. But according to documents filed to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, Appalachian Power promised Nucor, the new steel company coming to Mason County, that it could get them operating on 20% renewable energy.

Read more: Appalachian Power says more companies are demanding renewable energy