KING COAL WEST VIRGINIA HAS HIGHEST ELECTRIC BILLS, HERE COMES DATA CENTERS - While Most States Backing Off

(04/19/2026)

By Bob Weaver 2026 Most studies say AI Data projects are a scourge on the environment and household utility bills. Recent studies say West Virginia already has the highest electric bills in the nation, averaging $600+. So much for coal fired electric plants with WV and King Coal. West Virginia is one of few states that is moving full steam ahead on the data centers, which use humongous amounts of water and electricity, a dark hole in the environment. The coming of up to eight centers in West Virginia have moved quietly among the state's politicos, enamored with creating thousands of jobs. Gov. Morrisey, among a century+ of coal governors, knows full well that the centers will be a boom for coal and a fall-down for home electric customers. Some states are banning the projects, while many have put the centers on hold. Washington has been eliminating environmental standards, but they made little difference anyway, coal companies ignoring millions of dollars in fines. West Virginia history is laden with giving its natural resources away, far beyond the well being of its citizens. The 2026 Legislature had several bills to cap home electric bills. None passed.

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