August 20, 2019

Pleasants SO2 Operator Drew Simms (l.) thanks
Gov. Justice for his efforts in aiding the power station.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice recently signed a bill that supports continued operation of the Pleasants Power Station. The bill provides $12 million dollar in annual tax relief for the power plant. Attending a ceremonial signing at the plant were several state and local leaders, plant workers, coal miners and residents of Pleasants County.

Before the state legislature passed the bill, Pleasants was the only power plant of its kind in West Virginia required to pay business and occupation tax. Relief provided by the bill allows Pleasants to continue operating into the future, saving the jobs of 165 employees, as well as 300 coal miners who work to supply the plant.

“This is big,” Ray Culver, Pleasants master electrician, told reporters following the signing. “This plant provides good-paying jobs in the community, and if you had to go out hunting for another job, it would be tough.”

Pleasants is owned by FirstEnergy subsidiary Allegheny Energy Supply. Under a settlement agreement, the plant will be transferred to FirstEnergy Solutions (FES) when FES emerges from bankruptcy.