CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Appalachian Power has announced plans to invest $17 billion in new natural gas-fired electricity generation and another $7.5 billion to upgrade existing coal-fired power plants in West Virginia.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the investments Thursday, saying they are intended to increase electricity supply, improve reliability and help address rising energy costs.

The natural gas investment will add 3 gigawatts of generating capacity, with all new facilities expected to be operational by 2031. The projects are expected to create approximately 2,050 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions.

Appalachian Power also committed $7.5 billion to upgrades at its existing coal-fired power plants through 2050.

Morrisey said the projects will move forward under his administration’s ratepayer protection pledge, which he said will prevent infrastructure costs associated with the developments from being passed on to existing residential and business customers.

The announcement brings the total additional generating capacity announced since Morrisey launched his 50 by 50 initiative in September 2025 to 11.67 gigawatts, more than 34% of the additional capacity targeted by the state for 2050.