The future of two coal-fired power plants in West Virginia, which produce nearly two-thirds of the electricity sold by Appalachian Power Co., could soon be determined by Virginia regulators.
Appalachian is asking the State Corporation Commission to approve a rate increase to pay for environmental improvements to its Amos and Mountaineer plants, at a cost of $2.50 a month for its average residential customer.
Upgrading the plantsâ coal ash disposal methods to meet requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would allow them to remain in operation until 2040, the utility says.
But the Sierra Club is asking the SCC to deny the rate increase, which could force the plants to close by 2028.