West Virginia's cost of doing business is 13 percent below the U.S. average.
The state's wealth of human and natural resources and low utility rates are attractive to industry leaders seeking improved bottom lines. Consider the following:
- West Virginia's skilled workers are among the nation’s most productive – and turn-over rates are some of the lowest in the country.
- West Virginia’s electric rates are among the lowest in the nation.
- West Virginia exports two-thirds of the electricity it generates.
- The state is the leading exporter of natural gas as a percent of total production east of the Mississippi.
- West Virginia ranks second in the U.S. for coal production, at 150 million tons per year.
- Only 22 percent of the coal is used in-state to produce electricity, the remaining 78 percent is exported to Eastern and Midwestern U.S. states, as well as globally.
- The state has an abundant water supply, with most areas providing in excess of 250,000 gallons per day of water capacity.