MORGANTOWN – The Public Service Commission has set a public comment hearing for the Mon Power/Potomac Edison plan to build a combined cycle gas plant at their Fort Martin site outside Morgantown.
The hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. July 15. Those wishing to attend can do so in person at the PSC office in Charleston or virtually.
The companies filed in February with the PSC for prior consent and approval and for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a 1,200 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine plant along with 70 MW of solar capacity at three other sites.
In its order, the PSC noted that the matter did not initially generate substantial protest. However, as of Monday afternoon, 100 letters of protest had been filed. “We believe that it is reasonable to schedule a public comment hearing to ensure the affected members of the public are fully aware of this proceeding and have an opportunity to participate.”
The PSC order says the FirstEnergy sisters estimate that the gas-fired plant will cost $2.48 billion. The three proposed solar sites – at Valley Point near Albright; Davis, adjacent to the town; and Wylie Ridge near Weirton – will cost $182 million.
The companies are seeking approval of a Generation Projects Surcharge to become effective on the first day of the month following the conclusion of the PSC proceeding, which would remain in effect until each asset is placed in service. They estimate that the initial surcharge will result in a rate increase for residential customers of $1.18 per month or 0.9%.
The virtual portion of the hearing will be conducted via Microsoft Teams. To participate virtually, – according to the public notice the PSC included with the order, and which the companies must publish – residents must register with the PSC by 4 p.m. July 10.
Registration may be made by any of the following methods:
- Through the Microsoft Teams meeting link located on the PSC website, www.psc.state.wv.us under the “PSC Hot Topics” section located at the top of the homepage;
- By calling 304-340-0822 (Alexis Weimer) or 304-340-0820 (Andrew Gallagher);
- By emailing aweimer@psc.state.wv.us or agallagher@psc.state.wv.us.
Comments may also be mailed to: Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 812, Charleston, West Virginia 25323, or online at www.psc.state.wv.us by clicking on “Submit Comment” in the left column and following the directions provided. All written comments should reference Case No. 26-0108-E-CN.
