The Sierra Club has submitted Direct Testimony in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) case for Mon Power's proposed $2.48 billion gas plant, which would be built adjacent to the existing Fort Martin coal plant without first retiring the facility's aging, inefficient coal units.
Mon Power is seeking 'abandonment authority,' which would place West Virginians on the hook for all costs, even if the plant is never built.
The $2.48 billion cost of constructing the gas plant will fall on residential customers, who may face higher energy bills as a result.
This project has significant implications for West Virginia residents, who are already struggling with rising energy costs.
Sierra Club representatives argue that Mon Power's proposal is a bad deal for ratepayers and would lead to increased pollution in surrounding communities.
The data center contract remains speculative, and its demand could never materialize, rendering the project's projected shortfall unnecessary.
West Virginia residents should not have to foot the bill for data centers coming into their communities, according to Sierra Club representatives.
Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions pose significant risks for fossil fuel facilities like this one, making it challenging for them to pay for themselves.
Mon Power's proposal is a prime example of how utilities are trying to shift the risk from companies to ratepayers.
Climate change poses significant risks for fossil fuel facilities, making it challenging for them to pay for themselves.
