FirstEnergy Plan Calls for New Gas-Fired Plant, Continued Coal-Fired Generation

Core Points - FirstEnergy Corp. has submitted a plan to build a new 1,200-MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant in West Virginia, aiming for operational status around 2031 [1] - The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) also includes plans to keep two major coal-fired power plants operational for at least the next decade, supporting West Virginia's energy future [1][2] - The IRP aligns with West Virginia's "50 by 50" initiative to increase power generation capacity to at least 50 GW by 2050 [1] Company Plans - The new gas-fired plant will be the largest in West Virginia, surpassing the current largest gas facility, the 519-MW Ceredo Generating Station [4] - FirstEnergy plans to add at least 70 MW of solar power generation capacity by 2028 and will purchase power in the short term to maintain grid reliability until new resources are operational [1] - The company has invested approximately $1 billion in environmental control systems for its existing coal-fired plants [2] Industry Context - Over 80% of West Virginia's electricity is generated from coal, with the state being the second-largest coal producer in the U.S. [2] - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [4] - The IRP reflects a long-term strategy to ensure reliable power delivery while supporting economic development and managing costs for customers [1]