More than 5,000 West Virginia voters have signed a petition with a clear message to state leaders: Our electric grid needs to be stronger, more reliable, and ready for the future.
The petition supports the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a proposed high-voltage transmission line that will strengthen West Virginia’s grid and expand its ability to move electricity in both directions.
The stakes go well beyond keeping the lights on.
For instance, modern manufacturing depends on reliable electricity, and high-quality power, too. That means steady voltage and frequency to keep sophisticated equipment running. Even a split-second voltage dip can shut down machinery, interrupt automated production, and bring an entire assembly line to a halt. One study attributed nearly 70% of unplanned downtime in discrete manufacturing to power-quality events.
MARL will give West Virginia greater access to electricity, including potentially lower-cost power. It can support power quality while adding the capacity and flexibility needed to deliver reliable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across the state.
The need is substantial. West Virginians experience power outages more than twice as frequently as the national average, and those outages last nearly three times longer.
Meanwhile, industrial electricity consumption in West Virginia increased 4.6% through July compared with the same period last year, far outpacing the national increase of 0.7%.
Our industries are using more electricity. Our infrastructure must be able to deliver it.
Public support for modernization is unmistakable. A 2026 statewide survey found that 95% of West Virginia voters believe strengthening the electric grid should be a priority for policymakers.
The petition adds more than 5,000 individual voices to that finding.
West Virginia has abundant energy resources, skilled workers, and tremendous opportunities for economic growth. A stronger transmission system can help us capitalize on those advantages.
The petition sends a clear message: West Virginia needs an electric grid capable of supporting the families, businesses, and industries that depend on it – today and for generations to come.
Craig Blair is the Executive Director of West Virginians for Reliable and Affordable Energy and former West Virginia Senate President
