If West Virginia energy regulators approve a new plan by First Energy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison, customers would have to pay for a Monongalia County natural gas power plant, which could power a data center.

There's no binding commitment or guarantee a data center will be built in the state and no proposals have been submitted.

Courtney MacDonald, coalition coordinator for the group West Virginians for Energy Freedom, said First Energy is asking customers to start paying for a business prospect ahead of time.

"You can think of it as people are taking all of the risks," MacDonald explained. "Utilities are taking none of the risks."

Critics said a new plant would cost more than $2 billion and residents will pay for it through higher monthly energy bills. According to First Energy, the plant would generate enough energy to power roughly half a million homes. The company said if the plan is approved, construction would begin in 2027, with the plant beginning operations by 2031.

MacDonald pointed out the amount of power from the proposed plant is not needed for the existing customers, even with a normal projected growth in usage. She believes it means the huge facility could only be meant to power a data center. MacDonald noted residents can submit comments to the West Virginia Public Service Commission in opposition to the plant.

"The Public Service Commission has not approved this plan," MacDonald emphasized. "This is really our prime opportunity to push back."

A First Energy news release sharing details about the natural gas plant proposal does not mention data centers.

Source: Public News Service