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Energy Advocates Commend IURC for Investigating Electricity Affordability Concerns

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 24, 2026) –– The Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL) has issued the following statement in response to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission opening an investigation into energy affordability for Indiana ratepayers. The following statement can be attributed to Chris Ercoli, president and CEO of the Retail Energy Advancement League.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) is taking a commendable approach to conduct their own investigation in search of solutions for more affordable energy. It’s an objective set by legislators and regulators across the country. The best way to achieve that objective is by reducing infrastructure costs that are paid by ratepayers.

In Indiana’s current energy structure, ratepayers bear the risks and costs ––plus guaranteed profits for shareholders –– when utilities build new infrastructure projects, such as power plants. Indiana is in need of new power generation to be built, as electricity demand increases and outdated power plants are retired, forcing all ratepayers to pay more in their electric bills to cover those costs.

For example, one 700 megawatt natural gas plant will cost at least $800 million dollars. Indiana utilities project they will need new generation that is the equivalent of nearly two dozen natural gas plants to meet projected demand by 2035.

Indiana power bills were already increasing during the ‘flat load era,’ with minimal new power generation built. From 2008 to 2024, the price performance of Indiana’s electricity has increased 60%, ranking the state seventh worst in the country for price percentage change during that time. The cost of electricity increased 46% alone for industrial consumers during those same years, whereas similar industrial consumers in neighboring Illinois, Ohio and Michigan only saw rates increase by 15-25%. The difference in energy policies is benefiting consumers in neighboring states.

As the IURC diligently investigates energy affordability, we encourage the Commission to consider ways that relieve demand on utilities –– creating a reduction in infrastructure projects paid for by ratepayers –– and explore how to attract private investment that can support Indiana’s rapidly growing energy demand.

The Retail Energy Advancement League recommends that Indiana update policies and regulations to allow large energy users to procure their own electricity –– a buy your own power model –– to alleviate strain on utilities, limiting the need for new and costly ratepayer funded power generation.

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Energy News

Second Bill Introduced Targeting Rising Electricity Costs for Major Employers in West Virginia

Companion bill for the Energy Freedom & Fairness Act introduced in the House to relieve energy demand pressure on utilities, protect ratepayers from new generation costs

CHARLESTON, WV (Feb. 11, 2026) –– Del. Tristan Leavitt has introduced House Bill 5411, the Energy Freedom & Fairness Act, in the House chamber. This legislation allows commercial and industrial companies to purchase electricity supply directly from competitive electric suppliers rather than being limited to a single utility option, helping them better manage rising energy costs.

House Bill 5411 is a companion bill to Senate Bill 733, recently introduced by Sen. Patricia Rucker.

“Affordable electricity isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for West Virginia families and the employers who provide their jobs,” said bill sponsor, Del. Tristan Leavitt. “When energy costs keep climbing, businesses are forced to make tough decisions, and those costs eventually show up in paychecks, prices, and lost opportunities. This bill gives large employers a responsible way to control their energy costs. It’s a practical solution that promotes fairness, strengthens our economy, and helps keep West Virginia competitive.”

The Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL), a national organization advocating for energy market expansion and consumer choices, applauds Sen. Leavitt for championing legislation that will provide commercial and industrial businesses with a choice in their power supply.

“The concept is simple: allow large energy users to have direct access to an energy marketplace to meet their electricity needs the same way utility companies do,” said Chris Ercoli, president and CEO of the Retail Energy Advancement League.“Allowing large energy users to access competitive electric supply is a practical solution that can reduce their cost pressures, encourage new power generation from independent power producers, and ease the strain on utility systems — benefiting all ratepayers in the long run. We applaud Sen. Leavitt for his comprehensive approach to help support West Virginia’s energy needs.”

Both bills are supported by the West Virginia Energy Users Group (WVEUG) and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA).

Electricity is a top three operational cost for commercial and industrial businesses. Neighboring states, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, already allow large energy users to procure their own electricity and secure significant savings –– West Virginia risks falling further behind.

According to a study by Cleveland State University, commercial and industrial energy customers in Ohio collectively save an average of $1.17 billion annually by having access to a competitive electricity marketplace.

“West Virginia manufacturers depend on affordable, reliable electricity to compete, grow, and keep people working,” said Bill Bissett, president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. “Energy costs are one of the biggest factors in whether manufacturers can grow and remain competitive. This legislation gives employers greater control over costs and reliability. It’s a smart, pro-jobs solution that builds on last year’s microgrid law and expands energy control to more in-state manufacturers. With this bill, lawmakers can strengthen our economy, protect jobs, and ensure West Virginia businesses remain competitive.”

Under current West Virginia law, residential, commercial, and industrial customers are required to receive electricity supply from their designated utility. This structure places the full burden of growing energy demand on utilities, requiring them to build or purchase additional power — costs that are ultimately passed on to all ratepayers. House Bill 5411 and Senate Bill 733 allow large energy users –– manufacturers, steel plants, tech companies –– to shop for their electricity from a supplier or power generator other than their utility company.

By allowing large energy users to procure their own electricity, this legislation positions West Virginia to attract new investment, strengthen grid reliability, and address rising energy costs without shifting financial burden onto households and small businesses. House Bill 5411 and Senate Bill 733 represent a commonsense step toward a more resilient, competitive energy future for the state.

About Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL)

The Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to the expansion and modernization of American retail energy markets. In many states, utility monopolies still control the electric market and customers can’t choose where they buy their electricity and gas. Nearly half of all states in the U.S. offer some form of electricity competition to energy users.

Categories
Energy News

New Legislation Targets Rising Electricity Costs for Major Employers

Bill relieves energy demand pressure on utilities, protects ratepayers from new generation costs

CHARLESTON, WV (Feb. 3, 2026) –– New legislation was introduced to strengthen West Virginia’s energy market by giving major employers new options to manage electricity costs, while protecting residential and small business ratepayers. The bill, Senate Bill 733 introduced by Sen. Patricia Rucker, is common-sense legislation that allows commercial and industrial companies to purchase electricity supply directly from competitive electric suppliers rather than being limited to a single utility option, helping them better manage rising energy costs.

“West Virginia’s economic future depends on having reliable, affordable electricity,” said Sen. Patricia Rucker, sponsor of Senate Bill 733.“When rising energy costs make it harder for major employers to do business, it puts jobs, wages, and future investment at risk for West Virginians. This legislation gives employers more flexibility to manage their energy costs, while protecting families and small businesses from the risks of energy intensive businesses. This is a practical, market-driven approach that encourages investment, supports job creation, and helps ensure our state has the power it needs for the future.”

The Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL), a national organization advocating for energy market expansion and consumer choices, applauds Sen. Rucker for championing legislation that will provide commercial and industrial businesses with a choice in their power supply.

“The concept is simple: allow large energy users to have direct access to an energy marketplace to meet their electricity needs the same way utility companies do,” said Chris Ercoli, president and CEO of the Retail Energy Advancement League.“Allowing large energy users to access competitive electric supply is a practical solution that can reduce their cost pressures, encourage new power generation from independent power producers, and ease the strain on utility systems — benefiting all ratepayers in the long run. We applaud Sen. Rucker for her comprehensive approach to help support West Virginia’s energy needs.”

Electricity is a top three operational cost for commercial and industrial businesses. Neighboring states, such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, already allow large energy users to procure their own electricity and secure significant savings –– West Virginia risks falling further behind.

According to a study by Cleveland State University, commercial and industrial energy customers in Ohio collectively save an average of $1.17 billion annually by having access to a competitive electricity marketplace.

“West Virginia manufacturers depend on affordable, reliable electricity to compete, grow, and keep people working,” said Bill Bissett, president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. “Energy costs are one of the biggest factors in whether manufacturers can grow and remain competitive. This legislation gives employers greater control over costs and reliability. It’s a smart, pro-jobs solution that builds on last year’s microgrid law and expands energy control to more in-state manufacturers. With this bill, lawmakers can strengthen our economy, protect jobs, and ensure West Virginia businesses remain competitive.”

Under current West Virginia law, residential, commercial, and industrial customers are required to receive electricity supply from their designated utility. This structure places the full burden of growing energy demand on utilities, requiring them to build or purchase additional power — costs that are ultimately passed on to all ratepayers. Senate Bill 733 allows large energy users –– manufacturers, steel plants, tech companies –– to shop for their electricity from a supplier or power generator other than their utility company.

West Virginia continues to rank second worst –– out of all states ––in electricity price percentage change since 2008.

By allowing large energy users to procure their own electricity, this legislation positions West Virginia to attract new investment, strengthen grid reliability, and address rising energy costs without shifting financial burden onto households and small businesses. Senate Bill 733 represents a commonsense step toward a more resilient, competitive energy future for the state.