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April 10, 2026

Electric bills in energy-rich West Virginia now top mortgages

  • Increased demand, extreme weather, upgrading infrastructure and rising natural gas prices are pushing electricity bills higher.
    • By MARGIE MASON
    Associated Press

    AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster [enlarge]
    A coal-fired power plant is seen across the river from Poca High School in West Virginia. Residents have gone from having the cheapest electricity rate nationwide, to experiencing one of the fastest increases in the country.

    RAINELLE, W.Va. — Every month, Rebecca Michalski takes a deep breath before opening her electric bill. She lives on a fixed income, and heating her small house this winter has been staggering: Her February charge was $940.08 — more than her check.


     
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