West Virginia Utility Cost Calculator

Coal still makes the power

West Virginia remains the most coal-dependent state: coal generated 85% of its electricity in 2024, down only modestly from 96% in 2014. FirstEnergy’s Harrison Power Station, operated by Monongahela Power, was the largest generator. The state generated 51 TWh against 33 TWh of retail sales, exporting much of its output.

Investor-owned utilities, almost exclusively

Investor-owned utilities made 99.5% of retail sales in 2024 — the highest share in the country — and served about a million accounts. Appalachian Power (4.6 TWh to homes), Monongahela Power (3.6 TWh), Potomac Edison (2.0 TWh) and Wheeling Power are all regulated by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia; only two public systems and two cooperatives operate. Fewer than half of residential meters (45%) were advanced meters in 2024.

The winter spike

West Virginia’s January 2026 average — about 1,622 kWh per home — was more than double April 2026’s 671 kWh, the steepest swing of any state whose bills peak in winter. EIA’s final 2024 bill averaged $154.76 at 15.07¢; the latest twelve months come to $163.00.

Winter bills and outages

The average bill peaked in winter at $239.59 in January 2026 and bottomed at $107.86 in April 2026. The 2020 survey found 5,505 kWh a year of electric space heating in homes that use it — the largest electric heating load of any state — and 45% of homes heat mainly with electricity. Outages were the longest in the country: about 486 minutes per customer in 2024 even excluding major events.

Gas heats 43% of homes, at about 671 therms a year per account and $1.270 per therm. EIA does not survey heating oil or propane prices here. Energy assistance is administered by the Bureau for Family Assistance.