August 5, 2026 - American Electric Power has announced plans to purchase the nation’s newest and cleanest coal-fired electric plants in the country and the permits required to construct a natural gas power plant alongside.

Brian Abraham 

The Longview Power Plant in Maidsville, West Virginia generates 710 megawatts and is about 15 years old.

Appalachian Power President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Abraham said the plant will support the increase in demand, and residential ratepayers will not pick up the cost.

“What we’re trying to do is a strategic approach here in West Virginia,” Abraham said Tuesday on MetroNews “Talkline.” “As these large-scale users come on we’re going to pass the cost directly to them so it doesn’t go to our residential ratepayers.”

Abraham said several announcements are expected regarding data centers and/or other large load AEP customers are expected to be announced in the near future. The existing coal-fired facility and the future 1,200-megawatt natural gas facility will both be needed as more industry comes to the state.

“You’ve got one of the most efficient and one of the newest coal plants in America, which is now going to be part of the American Electric Power brand,” Abraham said. “We’re investing billions of dollars in the state of West Virginia to get ready for what we expect will be a huge demand from the hyper-scalers.”

High-technology and high-usage customers are eyeing the state because of the easy access to energy and low cost to do business. Abraham said the demand they see coming will make all available energy sources a necessity, not a choice.

“We have such a demand coming to this state,” Abraham said. “This is not a play where gas is going to replace coal; we’re going to ask our partners that provide our coal and partners that provide natural gas to give us all we can handle.”

Abraham said under the Trump administration, coal has gained new support and a new lease on life. Coal is the second-largest source of energy in the world, and the stability it provides will provide a cost-effective option to support economic growth for decades to come.

“We’re very proud of the history Appalachian Power plays in the state,” Abraham said. “We operate several coal-fired plants within the state, and we intend to do so for decades to come.”

In the future, Abraham said, stay tuned for the announcements of heavy industry and high-tech companies that plan to come to the state.

“You’re going to see some future announcements in the very short term,” Abraham said. “All of this is about increasing reliability for our customers and at the same time making sure our affordability is right there where it needs to be.”