The West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, Pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, Tobacco Use, Genetic information, Citizenship/immigration status, Military/veteran/service status, Familial status, Marital status, Receipt of public assistance, Exercising rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and the WVOE does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights also noted in West Virginia Human Rights Act, W. Va. Code ch. 16B, art. 17 (employment and public accommodations); West Virginia Fair Housing Act, W. Va. Code ch. 16B, art. 18 (housing); and West Virginia Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, W. Va. Code §16B-19-2 et seq. (recodified by S.B. 300 (2024)).
If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a WVOE program or activity, you may contact the non-discrimination coordinator.
Public Grievance Procedure
Any person, regardless of affiliation, or members of the public may file discrimination complaints concerning WVOE programs or activities.
The procedure includes:
Filing Process:
● Complaints must be submitted in writing (email/mail) to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator within 180 days of the alleged incident.
● Complaints should include the name, contact information, and a description of the alleged discriminatory act.
● If you need any accommodations, please contact the Non-Discriminations Coordinator.
● Accommodations: If the complainant is unable to submit a written complaint, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator should be contacted. WVOE will make reasonable accommodations in its policies and procedures which are necessary to allow persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency full access to the complaint filing and investigative process.
● Good Cause: WVOE may be willing to waive the 180-calendar day requirement if the complainant shows good cause and/or under severe circumstances. Investigation & Resolution Timeline:
● Informal Resolution: The Non-Discrimination Coordinator may attempt to conciliate and resolve the complaint through a mutually agreeable solution. Any such informal resolution must be signed by both the Non-Discrimination Coordinator and the complainant.
● WVOE will acknowledge receipt within 10 business days.
● An internal review will be completed within 180 business days.
● A written response, including findings and any corrective actions, will be issued to the complainant within 30 business days after the internal review process has been completed.
Steps in the Investigation: The investigation may include interviews of the complainant, employees, contractors, subcontractors, subgrantees, those named in the complaint, and witnesses to the alleged discrimination, as well as a review of any physical or written evidence.
If more information is needed to resolve the case, the Non-Discrimination Coordinator may contact the complainant. The complainant has [30] days to send requested information to the Non-Discrimination Coordinator assigned to the case.
Preponderance of the Evidence: The preponderance of the evidence standard will be applied during the analysis of each complaint.
Written Findings: After the investigation concludes, the complainant will receive a written notice detailing:
a. The findings of the investigation
b. Whether discrimination or retaliation was found
c. A summary of the investigation process
d. Any corrective actions that will be implemented (if applicable)”
Appeals: The person submitting the complaint may appeal against the decision of the Nondiscrimination Coordinator by writing to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator within 15 calendar days of the date of the written decision. The Nondiscrimination coordinator shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 90 calendar days after its filing.
DeeAnna Thompson: Administrative Services Assistant • Commerce Cabinet Secretary’s Office • Commerce
Nondiscrimination Coordinator
Email: deeanna.l.thompson@wv.gov
Phone: 304-352-4146
Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston WV 25305 United States