On this West Virginia Morning, lawmakers in both West Virginia and Virginia have been looking at ways to make power bills more affordable, but their approaches are very different. Virginia is pushing for more renewable energy, while West Virginia lawmakers are trying to keep coal plants open.

Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams and Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd spoke with economists, politicians and ratepayers to learn why tensions between the two states may be driving up costs.

Also, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said Thursday she’s in favor of data centers in West Virginia but also admits their limitations.

And, a Florida energy company is planning to build a high-voltage power line in southwest Pennsylvania to feed data centers in northern Virginia. It crosses four West Virginia counties along the way. The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier reports the company is seeking the right of eminent domain.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Chris Schulz, Eric Douglas, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.

Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.

Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:49 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning