Kentucky Power Seeks Approval for Cooling Tower Project

The utility says the $95.5 million investment will help ensure the Mitchell Plant can continue serving customers affordably.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Kentucky Power is asking the state's Public Service Commission to approve the construction of a new cooling tower at the Mitchell Plant in West Virginia. The utility says the project will help ensure the plant remains available to serve customers, especially during extreme weather events. Kentucky Power estimates the average residential customer's monthly bill will rise about 2.3% when the project is completed in 2029.

Why it matters

The Mitchell Plant is a critical baseload generation source for Kentucky Power's customers. Investing in the plant's infrastructure helps maintain reliability and affordable electricity rates, even as some customers may prefer the plant be located in-state rather than in West Virginia.

The details

Kentucky Power plans to invest approximately $95.5 million to rebuild the cooling tower at the Mitchell Plant. The utility says this will help ensure the plant can continue serving customers now and in the future. While there may be some temporary rate increases of around 1% during construction starting in 2027, the overall projected impact on the average residential customer's monthly bill is expected to be about a 2.3% increase when the project is completed in 2029.

  • Kentucky Power filed the request with the Public Service Commission in February 2026.
  • The cooling tower project is expected to be completed in 2029.
  • Customers may see temporary rate increases of around 1% during construction starting in 2027.

The players

Kentucky Power

A utility company that provides electricity to customers in eastern Kentucky.

Kentucky Public Service Commission

The state regulatory agency that will review and approve or deny Kentucky Power's proposed cooling tower project.

Mitchell Plant

A coal-fired power plant located in West Virginia that is a critical baseload generation source for Kentucky Power's customers.

Cindy Wiseman

The president and chief operating officer of Kentucky Power.

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What they’re saying

“We have seen the value of having a baseload generation available, especially in times of extreme weather like we experienced at the end of January. Although there are some customers who do not like that this plant is located in a neighboring state, continued investment in our coal plant is hands down the most reasonable solution for customers from both a reliability and cost standpoint.”

— Cindy Wiseman, President and Chief Operating Officer, Kentucky Power (wymt.com)

What’s next

The proposed cooling tower project will undergo review by the Kentucky Public Service Commission. If approved, the project is expected to be completed in 2029.

The takeaway

This investment in the Mitchell Plant's infrastructure highlights the importance of maintaining reliable and affordable baseload generation, even as some customers may prefer the plant be located within Kentucky's borders. The project's projected impact on customer bills underscores the utility's commitment to delivering power in the most cost-effective manner possible.