Clearway Launches West Virginia Community Energy Fund with 20-year commitment, in collaboration with Microsoft

Initial $4.5 million round supports 13 local organizations selected by community advisory committee, with funding continuing annually over 20 years

Petersburg, W. Va. - Clearway Energy Group ("Clearway") today announced the establishment of a new Community Energy Fund in collaboration with Microsoft, supporting West Virginia communities with an initial $4.5 million round now awarded to 13 local organizations in the Potomac Highlands region, and additional funding over the next 20 years.

A local advisory committee identified priority projects for this first grant round, directing funds to organizations working in workforce development, emergency preparedness, education, home weatherization, and more. The fund will continue to award annual grants to organizations serving the region, expected to deliver more than $13 million in total over the 20-year agreement period.

The new community fund is a feature of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) between Clearway and Microsoft for the Mount Storm Energy Center, a wind project in Grant County.

Sustain Our Future Foundation will serve as the fund administrator, managing grant distribution and working with community members to identify priorities for future grant cycles.

"By investing in West Virginia's greatest asset - our people - Clearway and Microsoft are showing the world what our communities have to offer," said Governor Patrick Morrisey. "This state is more than an American energy powerhouse. It is our schools, our entrepreneurs and our volunteer firefighters, who today gained $4.5 million towards their efforts to raise quality of life across the state."

"Microsoft is thrilled to establish this Community Energy Fund in support of communities in West Virginia. In close collaboration with Clearway and Sustain Our Future Foundation, we are making investments in community programs and resources directly benefiting the local community," said Paul Sari, Director of Renewable Energy at Microsoft.

The West Virginia Community Energy Fund builds on Clearway's existing commitments in the region. Separate from today's announcement, Clearway has pledged another $3.6 million in direct community benefit funding to Grant County over the operating life of the Mount Storm Energy Center.

Grantees support local priorities for regional strength

The 13 organizations selected for this first round span Grant County and the Potomac Highlands, with grants supporting work ranging from fire department equipment and emergency shelter upgrades to small business development, scholarship funds, and improved tourism infrastructure - reflecting priorities set by the local advisory committee.

"As a long-term employer and philanthropic partner in the region, we are immensely proud to launch new grant funding enabled by our agreement with Microsoft," said Grant County native Callie Dayton, Community Affairs Manager at Clearway. "Energy infrastructure continues to build economic strength in West Virginia, in addition to delivering home-grown power into the local electric grid."

• West Virginia Community Development Hub - Funding will continue and enhance community-based work already in progress through the Hub's collaboration with the Mon Forest Towns Partnership and establish a mini-grant program for the community.
• Eastern WV Community Action Agency - Funding will support outreach and scale implementation of home weatherization and electrification efforts, enabling energy efficiency upgrades, reduced energy costs, and improved accessibility, health, and safety for homeowners across the region.
• Grant County Volunteer Fire Association - Funding will be distributed across member fire companies in Bayard, Maysville, Mount Storm and Petersburg to enhance equipment, training, and operational capacity, strengthening emergency response and disaster preparedness.
• Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau - Funding will support initiatives to expand sustainable tourism infrastructure, strengthen community-driven economic development strategies, enhance marketing and visitor engagement efforts, and increase opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and community organizations to benefit from regional tourism activity.
• Grant County Chamber of Commerce -Funding will support small business development initiatives, entrepreneurship and workforce support programs, local business engagement activities, and collaborative economic development efforts.
• Pendleton County General Services Center - Funding will support facility renovations and resilience upgrades, enabling the center to function as a critical emergency preparedness hub, safeguard essential services, and improve continuity of operations during disasters.
• South Branch Career and Technical Center - Funding will enhance workforce training programs through updated equipment, expanded course offerings, and industry-aligned certifications, preparing students for high-demand careers and supporting regional workforce development.
• Grant County Schools - Funding will support workforce readiness initiatives, including career exploration programs, technical education pathways, and partnerships with local employers to prepare students for post-secondary success.
• Coalfield Development -Funding will support expansion of workforce training programs in sectors such as energy and construction, while also seeding new social enterprises based in ecotourism that generate local jobs and strengthen regional economic resilience.
• Colleges and universities including Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Mount West Community College, West Virginia State University, and Bluefield State University - Funding will support scholarships for students enrolled in energy-based programs and other high-demand fields, reducing financial burden and strengthening workforce pipelines.

Additional Statements

Scotty Miley, Grant County Commissioner: "I've been fortunate to have a lot of opportunities in Grant County, and I want my kids and their friends to have the same experience. Between Clearway's reinvestment in the county and Microsoft's investment in West Virginia-made energy, we couldn't have asked for a better opportunity for these grant funds to serve our kids, families, and friends. I look forward to collaborating with each of these organizations who are working toward a better future for all of us."

Heather Foster, Executive Director of the West Virginia Community Development Hub: "At the West Virginia Community Development Hub, we are honored to partner with communities across the state as they build on their strengths and create opportunities for the future. Over the past six years, we have had the privilege of working alongside Petersburg leaders and residents to envision, plan, and bring to life strategies that strengthen the community and improve quality of life. We are excited to see this new investment in Grant County and grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership. Together, we look forward to advancing community and economic development, support workforce and health initiatives, investing in local leadership, and building on the momentum that will help Grant County thrive for generations to come."

Jeffrey Teeter, President of Grant County Volunteer Fire Association: "Thanks to Clearway and Microsoft, our four departments within the Association can invest in equipment and training programs to keep both residents and volunteer firefighters safe in Grant County while ensuring our time is focused on saving lives."

Mitch Webster, Superintendent of Grant County Schools: "The Grant County School System is truly blessed to have a partnership with Clearway. They have supported us in a multitude of ways over the years, and the recent contribution is more than gracious and could not have come at a better time. We have several facility projects currently planned, and with the escalating costs we are facing the grant from Clearway will be used to ensure that all projects can be completed in a timely fashion and to the highest standard. A special thank you to our local contact at Clearway and a PHS graduate, Callie Dayton. Her support is appreciated beyond words."

Shelly Crites, Administrative Director of South Branch Career and Technical Center: "The future of the workforce in the Potomac Highlands region is brighter than ever thanks to this collaboration between Clearway and Microsoft. These funds will enhance workforce training programs preparing students and adult learners from Grant, Hardy and Pendleton counties for high-demand careers and opportunities available right in their backyard."

Carla Kaposy, Executive Director of Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau: "One of the best things about our region is that when opportunities come along, people come together to make the most of them. This investment from Clearway and Microsoft gives our community exactly that opportunity. It's an investment in the organizations that serve our residents every day, and we're excited to see what they'll accomplish together in the years ahead."

Suzanne Park, STARTUP! Program Committee, Grant County Chamber of Commerce: "The Grant County Chamber of Commerce is excited about the opportunities this fund will provide for our STARTUP! program and the many community initiatives we support. This investment will serve as a vital resource in stimulating new business development by encouraging and fostering entrepreneurship, supporting the growth of local businesses, and creating new employment opportunities throughout Grant County.

We are committed to building a strong business environment that makes our region an ideal destination for forward-thinking individuals and industries. Funding through the Community Development Grant will help us continue expanding these opportunities and strengthening our local economy for years to come."