Eliminate Net Metering

HB 4556 would eliminate net metering for public utilities in West Virginia by repealing the state law section that currently establishes net-metering and interconnection standards making it harder for residents, businesses, and communities to invest in distributed solar and other clean energy, while slowing progress on clean air, climate resilience, and energy affordability.

Sponsors: Patrick Martin

ISSUES: Clean Air, Climate, Development

CWV Position: Opposes

Position Statement: HB 4556 would roll back a proven clean energy policy, making it harder for West Virginians to choose affordable, locally generated renewable energy and undermining CWV’s goals for clean air, climate protection, and community resilience.

• Undermines net metering: HB 4556 would reduce the value of electricity generated by customer-owned solar and other small renewable systems, discouraging clean energy adoption.

• Creates barriers for homeowners and small businesses: Net metering is one of the most effective tools for enabling families, farms, schools, and churches to invest in clean energy. Weakening it favors large utilities over local energy producers.

• Slows clean energy and climate progress: Distributed renewables reduce pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increase grid resilience — all priorities for CWV.

• Limits energy choice and local control: The bill shifts power away from consumers who want to generate their own clean energy and concentrates it with centralized utility interests.

• Misses economic opportunities: Rooftop and community-scale solar support local jobs and keep energy dollars in West Virginia communities.

Status: Introduced on 1/19/26; referred to House Energy and Public Works Committee on 1/20/26.