Who Powers West Virginia—and Who Pays the Price?

Earth Day usually feels like a hashtag. But in West Virginia, it’s becoming something much more real—about who has power, who pays more, and who gets left out.

As energy demand rises across the country, a bigger question is coming into focus: who benefits from that growth—and which communities are asked to carry the cost?

On April 24, a community conversation hosted by the WV Climate Alliance at the WV Citizen Action Group office will bring people together to unpack that question. The free event runs from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., both inside and outside, with food, speakers, and a community Q&A.

For Black communities in West Virginia—and across the country—these conversations are not new. Environmental decisions have long shaped where people live, what they breathe, and how much they pay just to keep the lights on.

Mindy Reese Holcomb, environmental advocate, said the issue goes beyond infrastructure:
“While we often discuss the environmental impacts of data centers, we also need to address the public health consequences… increased air pollution poses serious risks for both seniors and children.”

At the same time, rising utility bills are hitting households now. Bobby Given, with Energy Efficient West Virginia, says solutions don’t have to wait:
“We’re providing free energy efficiency starter kits… and offering free energy assessments to help organizations identify practical ways to reduce costs.”

But relief alone isn’t enough. Emmett Pepper, policy director at Energy Efficient West Virginia, says the system itself must change:
“We’re focused on both immediate relief… and long-term accountability from utility companies… pushing back on unfair rate increases.”

Save your spot and be part of the conversation: https://wvcag.org/events/event/earth-day-event-who-powers-west-virginia/

For more information or to participate as a vendor, contact Ryan with WV Citizen Action Group at ryan@wvcag.org.

Because this isn’t just a West Virginia story.

It’s about who carries the cost of energy in America—and who gets to decide what comes next.