June 2, 2026 - Below is a message from Chris Hamilton, President, West Virginia Coal Association, regarding major coal industry issues before the West Virginia Public Service Commission:

As you're aware, WVCA has been actively involved in two major cases before the WV Public Service Commission with significant implications for the state's coal industry.  The first case involves the Commission's consideration of the Integrated Resource Plans filed by both major electric utilities per HB 2814 requiring state utilities to upgrade their plants to effectuate a higher level of performance and to extend the life of each plant. The second case addresses First Energy/Mon Power's proposed 1200 MW gas plant as part of the utilities regulated generation.

The Commission held a hearing on May 6 on Mon Power’s proposed IRP and the hearing on AEP’s IRP was scheduled last week but postponed affording the Association and AEP additional time to work out differences and agree on a joint settlement. The appointment of Brian Abraham, former General Counsel and Chief of Staff for Governor Jim Justice as President, WV Appalachian Power, has provided an opportunity to work closer with the state utility. 

Testimony was due last Friday (May 29th) on Mon Powers proposed gas plant which included filings by other intervenors in the case i.e. WV Energy Users Group, United Mine Workers and WVCA.  The crux of our testimony questioned the economics surrounding the proposed gas plant and whether the new gas plant is the least cost option for Mon Power's consumer base or necessary to meet their anticipated power demands.  A public hearing has been scheduled for July 15 by the PSC to receive public input on the matter, and the full evidentiary hearing is scheduled for July 16-17 at the PSC Charleston hearing Room. 

We are working with other intervenors in the gas plant case to synchronize our efforts and we are encouraging affected member companies and our Friends of Coal database to file individual comment letters to the PSC raising concerns or opposing the proposed gas plant.  Towards this end, we are currently populating a version of the below letter on our website for Friends of Coal members to access and automatically have it sent to the PSC.

Should you have any questions, please phone 304-342-4153 or e-mail jgibeaut@wvcoal.com.