Energy ProductionWest Virginia is an energy producer. The abundant natural resources attract global industries and extensive workforce training. This local abundance directly benefits local businesses with the lowest utility rates in the nation. West Virginia is the only net exporter of natural gas east of the Mississippi River. The Geological and Economic Survey has identified about 7,500 wells producing 1.9 million barrels of oil and about 40,500 wells producing 191.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Around this natural resource, Energize West Virginia is establishing a new dynamic to grow the industry through education, training and community building. Lowest Electricity Rates NationwideWest Virginia has the nation's lowest overall-electricity-cost and lowest industrial-electricity-cost in 2008 (January through August). The state's overall electricity rate of 5.51 cents per kilowatt-hour is 57% of the national average of 9.73 cents. The state’s average industrial electricity rate of 4.13 cents per kilowatt-hour is 60% of the national average of 6.94 cents. TelecommunicationsSophisticated fiber optic networks and 100% digital switching offices provide state of the art voice, video and data transmission services. Aggressive deployment of broadband availability and peer to peer technologies has given West Virginia companies a distinct advantage.
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NEW RIVER GORGE REGION Industry Strengths Utilities
NEW RIVER GORGE REGION Industry Strengths Utilities 
"If not for the help of the people at 4-C, I probably would not have secured the funding I needed to expand my business. They worked with me and came through with a loan package that was more than acceptable. They also helped me recover after the flood of 2001. They understand the trials of the small business person. I am thankful that this area has this organization." Tom Hughes, President |
