Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corp.'s subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, plan to construct a new 1,200-MW natural gas-fired power plant in West Virginia to address energy deficits and enhance reliable electric service [1][3]. Group 1: Project Details - The new power plant will be located on 35 acres adjacent to the existing 1,100-MW coal-fired Fort Martin Power Station in Maidsville, West Virginia [1]. - The investment for the combined-cycle power plant is estimated at $2.84 billion, with commercial operations expected to begin in late 2031 if approved [1]. - The companies have submitted an application to the state Public Service Commission (PSC) and anticipate a decision within the next year, allowing construction to start as early as 2027 [1]. Group 2: Integrated Resource Plan - The natural gas-fired plant is a key component of Mon Power and Potomac Edison's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to ensure reliable and affordable power delivery over the next decade [3]. - The IRP also includes the continued operation of the Fort Martin and Harrison power plants, along with the addition of new solar resources to create a balanced energy portfolio [3]. Group 3: Funding and Support - The Harrison facility, a 1,984-MW coal-fired power station, is also part of the energy strategy, with coal-fired plants in West Virginia eligible for funding from a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program [3][4]. - The DOE has announced a $525 million program for improvements to the nation's coal-fired power plant fleet, with $175 million earmarked for upgrades at various facilities, including those in West Virginia [4].

Core Viewpoint - Mon Power and Potomac Edison have selected a site in Maidsville, West Virginia, for a new 1,200-megawatt natural gas power plant, aimed at ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for local families and businesses [1] Group 1: New Power Plant Development - The new natural gas power plant will be located on a 35-acre site next to the Fort Martin Power Station and is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 500,000 homes [1] - If approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, site work could commence as early as 2027, with the plant projected to be operational by late 2031 [1] - This project is part of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that outlines the companies' strategy for maintaining reliable power delivery over the next decade [1] Group 2: Solar Generation Initiatives - Mon Power and Potomac Edison are also seeking approval for 70 megawatts of new solar generation, which will be developed on former industrial and reclaimed mine lands [1] - Proposed solar projects include an 11.5-megawatt project in Davis, an 8.4-megawatt project in Weirton, and a 50-megawatt project in Valley Point [1] - These solar initiatives will complement the existing 30 megawatts of solar capacity already constructed since 2024, supporting U.S. manufacturing and job creation while addressing the region's growing electricity needs [1] Group 3: Company Overview - Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, while Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in Maryland and 155,000 in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [1] - FirstEnergy Corp. operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the innovative use of sheep for vegetation management at a solar facility in West Virginia, highlighting the blend of agriculture and renewable energy [1][4]. Group 1: Solar Grazing Initiative - Hundreds of sheep were utilized to maintain vegetation around 50,000 solar panels at the Fort Martin Power Station, promoting an eco-friendly approach [1][3]. - This method, known as "solar grazing," is currently implemented at 506 solar sites across 30 states, according to the American Solar Grazing Association [2]. - Approximately 350 sheep grazed at the site, with temporary fencing used to manage their movement every four to six days [5]. Group 2: Benefits and Impact - The initiative supports local farmers while reducing the environmental footprint of the solar facility, as stated by Dan Rossero, Vice President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Generation [4]. - The Fort Martin solar site, operational since early 2024, is part of a broader solar program that includes two additional sites, totaling 30 megawatts of solar capacity [6]. - Customers in West Virginia can purchase solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) to support renewable energy initiatives [7]. Group 3: Operational Details - The sheep are effective in grazing under solar panels, where traditional mowing equipment may struggle, and they benefit from shelter provided by the panels [9]. - The sheep will return to the solar site in spring after spending winter at their farm [5].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy is investing $13 million in infrastructure to enhance electric service reliability for over 12,700 rural customers in West Virginia, focusing on reducing outages during severe weather [1][2]. Infrastructure Investment - The investment is part of a three-year pilot program approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia aimed at improving service reliability [1]. - Projects include building new power lines, upgrading to stronger wire, adding substation transformers, and installing automated smart technologies [7]. Specific Projects - In Berkeley and Morgan counties, a four-mile power line will connect two lines serving 5,400 customers, providing backup power to minimize outages [8]. - In Greenbrier County, a second transformer will be installed at a substation in Union to support 2,238 customers and future growth [8]. - In Hancock County, wire upgrades on an existing line will enhance backup power for over 3,100 customers, with additional equipment like regulators and reclosers to improve service reliability [8]. - In Tyler County, a two-mile tie line will be upgraded to reduce outages for 2,000 customers [8]. Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [4].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp.'s subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, have submitted an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, outlining strategies for reliable and cost-effective power delivery over the next decade [1][2]. Group 1: Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Overview - The IRP aims to address the growing demand for electricity, particularly from sectors like data centers and advanced manufacturing, while ensuring power remains accessible and resilient [2][4]. - The preferred plan includes a 1,200-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle power plant, which is expected to be operational around 2031, and the addition of 70 megawatts of utility-scale solar by 2028 [7]. Group 2: Goals and Recommendations - The IRP is guided by three main goals: balancing reliability, affordability, and local investment while managing environmental impacts [3][7]. - The plan supports West Virginia's "50 by 50" initiative, which aims to increase the state's energy capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050, positioning it as a leader in energy innovation [4]. Group 3: Customer Base and Service Areas - Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, while Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in Maryland and 155,000 in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [4][5]. Group 4: Operational Strategy - The IRP includes maintaining the operational status of the Fort Martin Power Station and Harrison Power Station throughout the 10-year planning period [7]. - Short-term power purchases will be utilized to ensure reliability until new resources are brought online [7].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are providing resources to help customers manage energy usage and costs, especially during high demand periods [1][3] Energy Management Programs - Budget Billing, also known as the Average Payment Plan (APP), allows customers to spread annual energy costs over 12 months, making it easier to manage bills during peak usage seasons [3] - Customers can access their eligibility for budget plans and calculate anticipated monthly amounts through their online accounts [3] Energy-Saving Tips - Customers are encouraged to implement various energy-saving strategies, such as weatherstripping doors and windows, maintaining HVAC systems, and using timers for outdoor lighting [5] - The Analyze Usage tool available in MyAccount provides personalized insights to help customers reduce energy consumption [5] Customer Base - Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia [6] - Potomac Edison serves around 285,000 customers in seven Maryland counties and 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia [6] Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., with a transmission network of about 24,000 miles connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [7]