Certified Microgrid Development Program (CMDP)

Application Instructions

Requirements for Microgrid District Certification

To qualify for certification under the CMDP, a microgrid must be located within a designated microgrid district. A district may be certified upon demonstrating that:

It will generate a significant and positive economic impact for the state.
It is essential to attract at least two businesses to establish or expand operations in West Virginia.
It encompasses a nearly contiguous area not exceeding 2,250 acres.
It will generate electricity exclusively for use within the district or for delivery to the wholesale market.
More than 70% of the electricity generated will be consumed by one or more high-impact data centers.

Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission Requirements

To apply for CMDP certification, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Secretary of Commerce. The LOI must include the following details:

(a) Size, scope, and nature of the target customer base
(b) Approximate acreage and location of the proposed project
(c) Estimated capital investment
(d) Evidence of financial capacity
(e) Estimated project completion date
(f) Major project milestones
(g) Estimated generation capacity
(h) Estimated internal power loading within the microgrid
(i) Estimated power requirements, including backup—from the local distribution electric utility
(j) Estimated power to be supplied to the wholesale market
(k) Types and sources of each electric power generation unit

The LOI will be treated as confidential and is exempt from disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Pre-Submission Requirements

At least 120 days prior to submitting the LOI, applicants must make good-faith eZorts to negotiate with the local electric utility for the supply of all or part of the project’s electricity needs.

Documentation of these eZorts must be included in the LOI.

Exceptions: This negotiation and time-period requirement does not apply to districts proposing to: