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

PRESS RELEASE

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.”