October 31, 2025 - The West Virginia Coal Association held a joint press conference with many local leaders to ensure we get our coal mines up and running and workers back to work.

They also say to push back against outrageous electric utility bills that have hit Southern West Virginia like never before.

According to Senator Brian Helton (R-Fayette), with our coal-fired plants not being used, the Public Service Commission recommends 69% generation capacity out of those plants.

“Unfortunately, because of renewable energy credits (wind and solar), these subsidized intermittent forms of energy are distorting the market and incentivizing the utility companies not to run the coal-fired plants up to their capacity,” Helton said. 

The West Virginia Coal Association saw the importance of convening this coal forum.

“To let people know how much they support what President Trump is doing in trying to revitalize and retool West Virginia coal. He’s doing everything imaginable for us to succeed here and for coal to return to where it once was, having a more prominent place within our state’s economy,” said WVCA President Chris Hamilton. 

Helton added that it’s very concerning when our citizens have to decide between prescription drugs, whether to make their car payment, afford enough groceries, or pay these outrageous utility bills. 

“We want to take action to get coal back, get our prosperity back in Southern West Virginia, and get our rates back from a utility standpoint where they’re affordable for our citizens,” the senator said. “We have coal miners, men and women who work in our coal industry, and entire communities that need jobs. And yet these coal-fired plants are sitting idle.”

As the Mountain State grows, develops, and becomes more versatile, these local representatives say we cannot leave coal in the dust.

“We have to continue to support the coal industry and the coal miners,” said Senator Rollan Roberts (R-Raleigh). “There’s been a lot of adaptation that’s gone on down through the years. Coal is cleaner and better used today than ever.”

Helton introduced a legislative bill in the upcoming 2026 session that will hold the utility companies accountable.

“Unless you run your coal-fired plants at 69%, you’re not allowed to ask the public service commission for another rate increase,” the senator said. “We want accountability and these plants to be used as they’re intended; our ratepayers pay for that infrastructure.”