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HCR 26

Requesting a Study on Energy Recovery and Micro-Hydropower Opportunities in Public Water Systems to Reduce Operating Costs and Stabilize Water Rates

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Cannon and 7 co-sponsors

Study the feasibility of using energy recovery and micro-hydropower in public water systems to reduce operating costs and stabilize water rates, with findings due by Dec 1, 2026.

To House Rules
#resolutions(interimstudy)
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Bill Summary · HCR 26

Overview

  • Purpose: House Concurrent Resolution 26 (HCR 26) requests a study by the West Virginia Joint Committee on Government and Finance to assess the feasibility of implementing energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies within public water systems to reduce operating costs and stabilize water rates.

  • Jurisdiction and session: West Virginia, 2026 Regular Session.

  • Introduced: March 3, 2026. Referred to the Rules committee. Multiple sponsors, including a co-sponsor group led by Delegates G. Howell and Kayla Young.

  • Reporting deadline: The study’s findings and recommendations are to be reported to the Legislature no later than December 1, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Addresshigh residential water rates in West Virginia by exploring whether energy recovery from existing water-system infrastructure can offset energy costs, thereby reducing operating expenses and stabilizing rates for consumers.

  • Recognize that aging infrastructure, energy-intensive treatment processes, mountainous terrain requiring pumping, and small customer bases increase fixed and ongoing costs for public water systems.

  • Leverage potential opportunities to recover hydraulic energy that is currently dissipated (e.g., at pressure reducing valves, transmission lines, plant discharge points, and low-head dams) through micro-hydropower or in-pipe turbine technologies.

Key Provisions / Areas for Study

The resolution directs the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study and report on:

  1. Identification of Suitable Systems

    • Identify public water systems with potential for energy recovery.
    • Focus on sites such as pressure reducing valve locations, transmission-line pressure drops, treatment plant discharge points, and low-head dam facilities.

  2. Technology Options

    • Evaluate in-pipe hydropower and other conduit-based technologies that generate electricity with minimal environmental impact and limited or no major new construction.

  3. Cost Savings and Rate Impact

    • Analyze potential on-site power generation savings.
    • Assess effects on operating expenses and resulting implications for water rates.

  4. Funding Opportunities

    • Review federal and state funding possibilities (including USDA and Department of Energy programs) to support installation of energy recovery systems.

  5. Regulatory and Permitting Considerations

    • Examine regulatory and permitting requirements associated with micro-hydropower installations in public water systems.

  6. Pilot and Statewide Implementation

    • Develop recommendations for pilot projects and broader statewide deployment to enhance water system efficiency and affordability.

Stakeholders and Affected Parties

  • Public water systems in West Virginia (utility operators, managers, and ratepayers).
  • State policymakers and legislators.
  • Potential funding partners (federal programs such as USDA and DOE, plus state funding sources).
  • Regulatory agencies overseeing water utilities, energy generation, and environmental permits.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The Joint Committee on Government and Finance is tasked with conducting the study and delivering findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2026.

  • The resolution functionally acts as a directive to study feasibility rather than establishing immediate regulatory changes or funding programs.

Potential Impacts

  • If feasibility is established and pilots are pursued, public water systems could generate electricity from existing hydraulic energy, potentially lowering operating costs and stabilizing water rates over time.

  • Outcomes may influence future legislative or administrative actions, including potential implementation programs, pilot projects, and funding allocations to support energy recovery installations.

  • Environmental and regulatory considerations will shape deployment, ensuring that micro-hydropower activities align with water quality, ecological protections, and permitting processes.

Summary

HCR 26 asks West Virginia’s lawmakers to authorize a comprehensive study on whether energy recovery and micro-hydropower technologies can be integrated into public water systems to cut energy costs and dampen rate increases. The study covers technology options, sites, cost and rate impacts, funding opportunities, regulatory hurdles, and practical pathways for pilots and statewide adoption, with a final report due by December 1, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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