Quoting a variety of state and national studies, presenters at an energy forum in Charleston last week stated that West Virginia should gain significant economic benefits from enhancing the state’s electric transmission infrastructure.

Dan Larcamp, a spokesperson for the Edison Electric Institute and a former chief of staff at the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said, “Based on past experience in other states, and as documented in numerous studies by national and state experts, expansion of the state’s transmission infrastructure will create and retain jobs and meet consumers’ changing electricity requirements.” Larcamp cited a national study demonstrating that each dollar spent on enhancing transmission infrastructure generates economic benefits several times the cost of the transmission expansion.

Tom Witt, director of the WVU Bureau for Business & Economic Research, said the construction of a proposed new power line across the northeastern part of the state could result in total economic impact of nearly $680 million in business volume, $210 million in employee compensation and $10 million in state taxes over the project’s construction phase.”

Roy Smith, secretary-treasurer of the West Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council, said, “The jobs associated with the construction of a power line are just the tip of the iceberg. These types of projects create a ripple effect throughout the state’s economy. More transmission capacity allows us to generate more electricity. The demand for more electricity offers the opportunity to sell more coal, gas and renewables. This can be truly beneficial for our state.”

Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “Energy has been a cornerstone of West Virginia’s economy for generations, and we need to continue to invest in energy infrastructure projects to ensure West Virginia natural resources and the industry, communities and people it supports continues to prosper.”

The event was conducted by West Virginians for Reliable Power, a coalition representing a diverse group of West Virginia businesses, trade associations and labor representatives. The organization is committed to educating West Virginia citizens on the need for an improved electric transmission infrastructure.