CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday that Appalachian Power plans to invest $17 billion in new natural gas-fired electricity generation in West Virginia, along with an additional $7.5 billion commitment to upgrade existing coal-fired power plants.
The $17 billion investment will add 3 gigawatts of natural gas-fired electricity generation, with all new capacity expected to be operational by 2031.
According to the governor’s office, the project is expected to create approximately 2,050 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs.
The announcement represents the largest single power generation announcement by capacity in West Virginia history, surpassing the approximately 2.9-gigawatt John Amos Power Plant announcement from the early 1970s.
Appalachian Power has also committed $7.5 billion toward upgrading its existing coal-fired power plants through 2050.
“West Virginia has some of the greatest energy resources in the country, and our people should benefit from them,” said Governor Morrisey. “Families are struggling with rising costs, and too many are seeing more of their paychecks consumed by electric bills. We’re tackling that problem from both directions, helping families reduce their energy use while increasing the supply of affordable, reliable electricity.”
According to the governor’s office, the expansion will proceed under Morrisey’s ratepayer protection pledge, which is intended to prevent infrastructure costs associated with the new developments from being passed along to existing residential and business customers.
The administration says electricity prices will not increase as a result of the initiatives.
The additional generation capacity is part of Morrisey’s “50 by 50” initiative, launched in September 2025, which aims to reach 50 gigawatts of electricity generation capacity by 2050.
With the latest announcement, the state has announced 11.67 gigawatts of additional generation capacity since the initiative began, representing more than 34% of the additional capacity needed to reach the goal.
The governor’s office also reported that West Virginia has announced $113.6 billion in private-sector investments and 21,030 projected jobs since October 2025.
“While other states are restricting energy production and retiring reliable power plants, West Virginia is increasing its energy supply,” said Governor Morrisey. “By protecting our existing generation and building the capacity we’ll need for decades to come, we will strengthen reliability, create good-paying jobs, and work toward more affordable electricity for West Virginia families and businesses.”
During the announcement, Morrisey also highlighted Google’s $10 million Energy Impact Program, which includes an initial $1 million investment through the West Virginia Office of Energy.
That funding will help families in Putnam, Kanawha, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, and Lincoln counties complete home repairs necessary to qualify for energy rebates. The program will also support energy efficiency improvements for local governments and nonprofit organizations.
According to the governor’s office, more than 1,400 West Virginians have applied for the state’s Home Energy Rebate programs since their launch just over a month ago.
The first participant, Cabell County resident Judy Fry, reportedly experienced a 34% reduction in her monthly electric bill after receiving upgrades at no cost, saving $102 during her first month.
Additional initiatives through the West Virginia Office of Energy include electric grid improvements expected to increase reliability for more than 23,000 customers and 99 critical facilities.
Energy efficiency improvements are also benefiting more than 70 local governments and nonprofit organizations across 33 West Virginia counties.
