Defending Ratepayers in West Virginia

Customers should not be forced to foot the bill for spending on aging, uneconomic fossil fuel power plants.

Case Overview

On behalf of our clients, Earthjustice has litigated a series of actions before the West Virginia public utility commission to prevent utilities from forcing consumers to bail out aging, unprofitable coal-fired power plants.

Utility companies have sought to have their customers assume long-term financial burdens, while its shareholders would receive a guaranteed revenue stream.

Earthjustice and our clients have advocated for utility companies to consider investments in clean energy options, such as solar and energy efficiency, before proposing additional spending on aging, uneconomic coal units.

The John E. Amos Power Plant in West Virginia.
A coal-fired power plant in West Virginia. ( John Leszczynski / CC BY-SA 2.0)

Case Updates

December 14, 2021 From the Experts

New Programs Will Help Keep West Virginians Warm This Winter

Energy efficiency programs for low-income customers will lower electricity costs and create well-paying, local jobs.

December 17, 2020 Press Release: Victory

FirstEnergy Drops $250 Million Proposal for Aging Coal-Fired Power Plants

The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved a settlement halting FirstEnergy’s plan to spend approximately $250 million on two aging coal-fired power plants in West Virginia

Karan Ireland of Solar United Neighbors of West Virginia, speaks at an event in Charleston.
February 6, 2018 Press Release: Victory

FirstEnergy Ends Bid to Sell Pleasants Power Plant

Ratepayer, solar, and energy efficiency advocates triumph over coal in West Virginia