FirstEnergy completes second utility-scale solar site in West Virginia

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FirstEnergy Corp President Brian X. Tierney | FirstEnergy Corp

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have successfully completed their second utility-scale solar project in West Virginia. This new solar site is located in Rivesville, Marion County, and began generating clean energy with nearly 14,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 5.5 megawatts of power.

The Rivesville facility spans approximately 27 acres along Morgan Ridge Road on land previously occupied by the deactivated Rivesville Power Station. The construction utilized local union workers and American-made materials for the solar panels and supporting equipment.

Dan Rossero, Vice President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Generation, stated: "Our solar projects create construction jobs and support economic growth by helping West Virginia recruit and retain employers. We are pleased to reach another important milestone in our solar program and are excited about the interest we continue to receive from subscribers."

This initiative is part of a broader effort following a 2020 legislative bill that allows electric companies to develop up to 200 megawatts of solar facilities in the state. Mon Power and Potomac Edison plan five projects totaling 50 megawatts as part of this first phase. Their initial project at Fort Martin Power Station was completed earlier this year, while a third project is underway in Berkeley County.

The companies' solar initiatives also produce Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which represent environmental benefits associated with solar power generation. Customers interested in supporting renewable energy can purchase these credits at an additional cost.

Mon Power provides service to approximately 395,000 customers across West Virginia's counties. Meanwhile, Potomac Edison serves around 285,000 customers in Maryland and another 155,000 in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.

For more information about their solar programs or subscription details, customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/WVsolar or contact Mon Power directly.