REVISED POWER PLANT RULES FINALIZED

The West Virginia Public Service Commission has issued revised rules for electric generating capacity. The changes follow a 51-page order and public comments from utilities, consumer groups, coal interests, and gas groups. Utilities no longer have to run a plant at a 69-percent capacity factor if doing so would raise customer charges. Capacity factors will be measured over rolling 12-month periods, not hour by hour. Next, the Legislature will review the rules.