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]

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].