FirstEnergy's Mon Power and Potomac Edison Receives Approval to Construct Three Solar Projects in America

The construction phase follows the PSC's Aug. 23 decision to approve the companies' request to complete three of five planned solar sites. Ultimately, the five sites will collectively generate 50 megawatts of renewable energy. One megawatt of solar energy powers a national average of 173 homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The PSC previously granted initial approval for the construction pending final approval once the companies had subscribed enough industrial, commercial and residential customers to use approximately 85% of the renewable energy produced by the sites.

The three sites planned in Monongalia, Marion and Berkeley counties have met this requirement. The companies plan to seek approval from the PSC to build the additional two solar sites once customers subscribe to the energy they will produce.

"Mon Power and Potomac Edison are committed to the environment and enhancing reliability for customers by bolstering and diversifying the region's energy mix," said Jim Myers, president of FirstEnergy's West Virginia operations. "Renewable energy is a large economic driver in attracting new industry to West Virginia so it is important to have this voluntary option available to customers."

The companies recently cleared brush, leveled the ground and installed roads and fences to prepare the initial site for solar panel installation in the near future.