Mon Power and Potomac Edison Propose Solar Energy Projects in West Virginia

Rhea-AI Summary

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy, submitted an application to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia to build five solar projects generating 50 megawatts of renewable energy. This move aligns with a 2020 law allowing utilities to own renewable energy facilities, supporting local economic development. If approved, the projects will begin as early as 2022 and be completed by 2025. Customers would buy energy from these facilities, receiving solar renewable energy credits, funded through a solar surcharge.

Positive

• Proposal to generate 50 megawatts of renewable energy, enhancing clean energy portfolio.
• Support for local economic development through increased renewable energy capacity.
• Potential customer participation in solar energy program with renewable energy credits.

Negative

• None.

FAIRMONT, W.V., Nov. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), have submitted an application to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia for approval to build five utility-scale solar energy projects throughout the companies' West Virginia service territory. Together, the facilities would generate 50 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to help make West Virginia more attractive for business development.

The application supports a 2020 bill passed by the West Virginia legislature that authorizes electric utilities to own and operate up to 200 megawatts of renewable generation facilities to help meet the state's electricity needs. The addition of new renewable generation also encourages economic development in West Virginia, as a growing number of companies require that a portion of the electricity they purchase be generated by renewable sources.

"Many of our customers have expressed strong interest in solar power in recent years, and we are excited about the opportunity to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in our service territory while supporting West Virginia's economic development goals," said Jim Myers, president of FirstEnergy's West Virginia operations.

If the program is approved, Mon Power would build, own and operate the five solar facilities, and the energy produced would be available for purchase by Mon Power and Potomac Edison customers in West Virginia. Customers who participate in the program would receive the equivalent of one solar renewable energy credit (SREC) for each megawatt hour of energy purchased. To help ensure the development of clean, renewable energy in the state, the cost of the solar generation would be paid for by Mon Power and Potomac Edison customers in West Virginia through a nominal solar surcharge until all the energy credits are purchased by program participants.

Once approved, procurement, groundbreaking and permitting would begin on the first phase of solar facilities as soon as 2022, with all five expected to be completed before the end of 2025.

Four of the five proposed sites are on property owned by Mon Power or its affiliates, and the fifth location is still under review. The sites include:

• A 26-acre reclaimed ash disposal site in Berkeley County
• A 51-acre site adjacent to a Mon Power substation in Hancock County
• A 95-acre site in Monongalia County
• A 44-acre reclaimed strip mine property in Tucker County

"We believe this is an exciting new use for several underutilized properties that will diversify our energy sources with clean, renewable options and help us continue to provide safe, reliable power to our customers in West Virginia," added Myers.

Mon Power serves about 395,000 customers in 34 West Virginia counties. Follow Mon Power at www.mon-power.com, on Twitter @MonPowerWV, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonPowerWV.

Potomac Edison serves about 275,000 customers in seven counties in Maryland and 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on Twitter @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What solar energy projects are Mon Power and Potomac Edison proposing in West Virginia?

They are proposing five solar energy projects that would generate a total of 50 megawatts of renewable energy.

When is the expected completion date for the proposed solar projects by FirstEnergy's subsidiaries?

The solar projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Who will pay for the solar energy generation costs in West Virginia?

The costs will be funded through a nominal solar surcharge for customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison.

How does the solar energy proposal impact customers in West Virginia?

Customers can purchase solar energy and receive solar renewable energy credits, supporting clean energy initiatives.

What legislation supports FirstEnergy's solar energy project in West Virginia?

The proposal is supported by a 2020 bill that allows electric utilities to own renewable generation facilities.