UTEC

BACKGROUND & FORMALIZATION

UTEC was originally formed as a loosely organized committee more than a decade ago. The committee was comprised of lobbyists and association executives representing utilities and gas transmission companies. Regular meetings were held during the 60-day legislative session and as needed throughout the remainder of the year.

The committee recently established UTEC as 501(c) 6 organization in order to speak for our industry with a more unified voice. A Board of Directors was elected and committees were formed.

At the appropriate time as determined by the Board of Directors, UTEC may seek executive management. Until such time UTEC shall be managed by the Board of Directors.

MISSION & VISION

The Mission of the Utilities, Telecommunications and Energy Coalition (UTEC) is to represent the interests of its membership through education and representation in the legislative and public policy arena. Consistent with this mission, the vision of UTEC is to assume a leadership role within the West Virginia business community and be recognized as a public voice for issues concerning public utilities, including electric generation/distribution, natural gas distribution and transmission, telecommunications, water, and waste managment. UTEC aims to educate and influence policy makers, regulators and the media on issues of mutual importance to its members.

UTEC strives for the common good of its members and no member uses the organization at the disadvantage of one of its members.

Founding Members

• Allegheny Energy
• Appalachian Power
• Columbia Gas Transmission
• Chesapeake Energy
• Dominion Resources
• Equitable Resources
• Independent Oil and Gas Association
• Mountaineer Gas
• Small Public Utilities Association
• Verizon
• WV American Water Company
• WV Oil & Natural Gas Association

Economic Impact in West Virginia

Taxes: UTEC member companies and organizations comprise perhaps the largest tax paying block in West Virginia. Annual taxes paid to the state, exceeds $340 million. The electric generators in the state, using West Virginia coal, indirectly contribute to the severance taxes that have buoyed the state’s economy in recent years.

Employment & Payroll: More than 26,000 hard working West Virginians are employed by UTEC companies and organizations. Our sector has 3.5% of total employment and 6% of total wages in the state. Annual payroll is a robust $1.33 billion and climbing. Average wages are in excess of $50,000 per year plus benefits.

Capital Investment: UTEC has deep roots in West Virginia and the capital investment by our companies and organizations proves it! Today, we have tens of billions of dollars invested in our facilities and operations in the state. Several of our companies have announced construction projects that, in total, will account for more than $3 billion.

Giving Back to our Communities: One of member company’s mottos contains this phrase: “We are a citizen of each community we serve and take an active part in its affairs. We prosper only as the community prospers; so we help it thrive in every way we can.” UTEC companies and organizations reinvest more than $2.6 million in the communities we serve in West Virginia each year. Our employees volunteer countless hours in civic and community groups, in schools, as coaches, mentors and leaders supporting our commitment to make our towns a better place to live.

Legislators, regulators and others now have a vibrant source of information for the utility, telecommunications and energy industry in West Virginia. That source is UTEC.

Contacts:

Mr. Sam Cipoletti, Chairman
Phone: 304-344-7216
E-mail: samuel.cipoletti.jr@verizon.com

Mr. Joseph Jones, Treasurer
Phone: 304-348-4138
E-mail: hjjones@aep.com

Mailing address:
PO Box 11630,
Charleston, WV 25339