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West Virginia Electricity Information

West Virginia’s electricity generation is heavily reliant on coal, which has been the state’s primary energy source for decades. However, natural gas is starting to play a larger role, and there are some efforts to explore renewable energy options, including wind and solar. Despite the push for cleaner energy, coal still accounts for a large portion of the state’s power mix.

Electricity consumption in West Virginia is moderate, with relatively affordable prices compared to the national average. However, the high dependence on coal means the state has higher emissions compared to others. While coal-fired plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, there is growing interest in diversifying energy sources to reduce pollution and improve sustainability in the future.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Coal

Total Generation: 52,286,784 MWh
Ranks 31st Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 15.82¢ /kWh
Ranks 14th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $144.62
Ranks 36th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

10th Highest

45,743 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

6th Highest

39,164 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

15th Highest

28,113 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

38th Highest

3,619,622 MWh
6.92% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in West Virginia

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

47th Lowest

Average Per Person: 471 million BTU

West Virginia’s electricity use is high for its size, driven by cold Appalachian winters, warm, humid summers, and an energy-intensive industrial base. By sales per person the state ranks 4th highest in the nation, and in 2023 its industrial sector used 46% of electricity, with residential at 32% and commercial at 22%. Nearly half of households heat primarily with electricity, which pushes winter peaks even though many others use natural gas. Together these factors keep demand elevated year-round and shape grid planning around winter reliability and steady industrial load.

Municipal Utilities in West Virginia

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of West Virginia offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In West Virginia, 3 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in West Virginia

The rest of West Virginia receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

West Virginia Natural Gas Information

Natural gas is widely used in West Virginia, especially during the cold Appalachian winters. About 4 in 10 households rely on it as their primary heating source, making residential demand an important part of overall consumption. The state’s climate drives strong seasonal swings, heating needs dominate in winter, while in summer, direct household use declines but gas remains important for electricity generation. Abundant in-state production from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations helps ensure a steady, reliable supply.

Natural gas service in West Virginia is largely regulated. Utilities such as Hope Gas, Mountaineer Gas, and Peoples Gas (WV) purchase and deliver fuel through their pipelines, while residential customers generally cannot shop among competing suppliers. Some large commercial and industrial users may have transportation options, but broad retail choice is limited. This framework prioritizes stability and reliability in a state with significant winter heating demand and strong local production.

Average Natural Gas Price

$1.855 /CCF

Ranks 23rd Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$93 /month

Ranks 21st Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

22nd Lowest

Average Per Person: 94.14 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in West Virginia

Many of the residents of West Virginia receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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West Virginia Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

72.68%

Ranks 4th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

23.21%

Ranks 7th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

23.14%

Ranks 6th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in West Virginia

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in West Virginia have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping West Virginia homes online and in the loop:

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Know Your Rights: Shut-Off Protections

West Virginia law provides specific protections for vulnerable households to prevent service disconnection during critical times.

Winter Moratorium: From November 1st through April 15th, electric and gas utilities cannot terminate service for "hardship" customers who use that utility as their primary source of heat. This applies if you are unable to pay your full bill, though you may still be required to make good-faith payments.
Medical Emergency Certification: If disconnection of service would be dangerous to the health of someone in your household (e.g., requirement of a ventilator or nebulizer), you can delay shut-off.
- How it works: A licensed physician or nurse practitioner must complete a Medical Certification Form stating that a medical emergency exists.
- The Benefit: This typically grants a 30-day delay on disconnection, which can often be renewed if the condition persists. Note: This does not erase the debt, but buys you time to secure assistance.

Energy Efficiency & Rebate Programs

West Virginia’s major utility providers offer robust rebate programs to help offset the cost of upgrades. Checking these before buying new appliances or adding insulation can save you hundreds of dollars.

Appalachian Power customers: Check out TakeChargeWV. They offer rebates for:
- Smart thermostats
- Energy Star appliances (dehumidifiers, air purifiers)
- Home weatherization (insulation and air sealing)
Mon Power & Potomac Edison customers: Look into the FirstEnergy Home Efficiency Rebates.
- Offers incentives for high-efficiency HVAC tune-ups and replacements.
- Includes a "Home Energy Audit" program where an expert inspects your home and provides a personalized savings plan.

Utility Costs in West Virginia

The average monthly total utility bills in West Virginia is $342.57, which is 23.6% higher than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$145

Higher than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$93

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$105

Higher than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in West Virginia

If you are struggling to keep up with utility costs in West Virginia, several state and non-profit programs can help. These programs range from seasonal heating aid to emergency grants for preventing disconnection.

General Assistance Programs

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): Administered by the West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance, LIEAP assists eligible households with the cost of home heating. The program typically opens in the winter and provides payments directly to utility companies. A crisis component is also available for households facing immediate disconnection or lack of fuel.
- How to Apply: Applications are accepted at local Department of Human Services (DoHS) offices or online via the WV PATH portal.
20% Utility Discount Program: The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program offers a 20% discount on electric, gas, and water bills for eligible residents. This discount applies to electric and gas bills from November through March, and water bills year-round.
- Eligibility: You may qualify if you receive SSI, WV WORKS, or if you are a SNAP recipient over the age of 60. Applications are typically mailed to eligible residents in the fall, but you can also contact your local DoHS office to inquire.
Dollar Energy Fund: This organization partners with utility companies to provide one-time grants to households that may not qualify for federal assistance or who have exhausted other options. Grants are applied directly to your utility account to restore or maintain service.
- How to Apply: You can search for a community agency to help you apply or check your eligibility at the Dollar Energy Fund West Virginia page.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): This program helps low-income families reduce their energy bills permanently by making their homes more energy-efficient. Services can include insulation, air sealing, and heating system repairs.
- Learn More: Visit the West Virginia Community Advancement and Development (WVCAD) website to find a local provider.

Resources for Seniors

Seniors in West Virginia often have access to relaxed eligibility requirements or prioritized processing for utility aid.

Reduced Rate Service: Seniors who receive SNAP benefits and are 60 years or older are specifically targeted for the 20% Utility Discount Program.
Dollar Energy Fund Senior Rules: For many utility partners, the “good faith payment” required to receive a grant is lowered for applicants aged 62 and older. For example, while general applicants may need to have paid $150 recently, seniors may only need to show payments of $75 or $100 depending on the utility.
Local Aging Agencies: Your local Area Agency on Aging can often assist with filling out LIEAP applications and navigating these programs.

Resources for Students

While most utility assistance is based on household income, students living independently may qualify for general state aid or university-specific emergency funds.

University Emergency Funds: Many institutions, such as West Virginia University (Student Emergency Fund) and Marshall University, manage emergency grants for students facing unexpected financial crises, including utility shut-offs. Check with your school’s Financial Aid or Student Life office.
LIEAP for Students: If you live off-campus and meet income guidelines (and are not claimed as a dependent on another household’s tax return), you may be eligible for standard LIEAP assistance.

Resources for Veterans

Veterans in West Virginia have access to specialized grants and support services to ensure housing stability.

Dollar Energy Fund Veterans Program: Some utility partners, such as Appalachian Power, offer higher maximum grant amounts for customers eligible for the Veterans Program (up to $400 in some cases compared to the standard $300).
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program is designed to prevent homelessness and can often assist with utility deposits or arrears to keep veterans in their homes.
- Find Help: Contact the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance to be connected with a local service officer who can guide you to SSVF providers.