Overview
- Residents across West Virginia are sharing power bills that outstrip rent or mortgages, with many reporting loans, cut-off notices, and tough choices between heat and food.
- Government data show electricity prices up 4.8% year over year and piped natural gas up 10.9%, both rising faster than overall inflation.
- The state’s grid relies on aging coal plants for about 87% of its electricity, and a cold snap, higher natural gas costs, and maintenance needs drove bills sharply higher.
- One disabled homeowner reported a $940 electric charge that forced her to take a loan and left her fearing a shutoff.
- A trailer-park owner raised all-inclusive rent from $350 to $400 to cover utilities, which pushed at least 16 campers to leave, as plans for large data centers fuel concern about heavier demand and higher rates.