MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. –– American Electric Power has announced plans to purchase the 710 MW coal-fired Longview Power Plant in Monongalia County for an undisclosed price.
“AEP has reached agreements to acquire the Longview Power Plant and Mountain State Clean Energy development site near Morgantown,” AEP said in a statement forwarded to MetroNews. “These assets are strategically located to help support growing energy demand in the region and would strengthen AEP’s ability to provide reliable, around-the-clock power at affordable prices. Longview is a highly efficient, modern coal facility that will be owned and operated by AEP’s competitive generation business. The Mountain State Clean Energy site includes key permits for a future combined-cycle natural gas plant.”
AEP, the parent company of Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, said the purchase will not impact Appalachian Power customers.
“These proposed acquisitions by AEP do not directly impact Appalachian Power customers. As demand for energy continues to grow, AEP is focused on advancing flexible generation solutions that support reliability, affordability, economic growth and resiliency. The transactions are subject to required federal regulatory approvals,” the AEP statement said.
Appalachian Power President and COO Brian Abraham applauded the purchase.
“We’re pleased that our parent company American Electric Power plans to invest in West Virginia’s deep coal roots by signing an agreement to acquire the Longview Power Plant near Morgantown. Coal has helped power West Virginia and our nation for generations and has supported families, communities and economic growth across our state,” Abraham said. “This plant is a world-class facility that demonstrates how advanced coal generation can continue to play an important role in delivering the 24/7, reliable energy needed to support growth and customers in the region.”
Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom said the commission has talked to AEP officials but those talks have been limited.
“The one thing I can say is that they are going to honor the Lomgview Power Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement with the county and Monongalia County Schools which is very important,” Bloom said.
AEP was the successful in the process that reportedly included a “household name” data center developer. The ownership transition comes as competition increases and demand for electricity continues to increased due to the expansion of data centers and AI.
Energy Efficient West Virginia Policy Director Emmett Pepper released a statement: