# Mid-Atlantic natural gas power plant proposals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mid-atlantic-natural-gas-power-plant-proposals
> Updated: 2026-09-03T20:50:12.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Utility companies in the Mid-Atlantic region are proposing large-scale natural gas power plants to meet rising electricity demands, including potential needs from data centers.

In West Virginia, FirstEnergy has proposed a $2.47 billion, 1,200-megawatt natural gas plant in Monongalia County. The project faces scrutiny regarding its impact on existing coal infrastructure and compliance with state laws requiring the preservation of coal plants. While proponents cite industrial and data center demand, some experts describe this demand as “speculative.”

In Virginia, the Cumberland County Planning Commission recommended approval for Dominion Energy’s Cumberland Energy Center. This proposed dual-fuel combined-cycle station is expected to generate nearly 3,000 megawatts. The project has prompted debate between supporters, who emphasize grid reliability, and opponents, who express concern over the long-term viability of fossil fuel investments during the transition to renewable energy.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Dominion Energy gas plant proposal advances in Virginia

The Cumberland County Planning Commission recommended approval for Dominion Energy’s proposed 3-gigawatt natural gas plant, which could power 750,000 homes and impact local electricity rates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominion-energy-gas-plant-proposal-advances-in-virginia

### 2026-08-31: FirstEnergy proposes $2.47 billion gas plant in West Virginia

FirstEnergy proposes a $2.47 billion natural gas plant in West Virginia, sparking regulatory debate over its impact on existing coal-fired power stations and state energy mandates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/firstenergy-proposes-247-billion-gas-plant-in-west-virginia

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Cite as: Mid-Atlantic natural gas power plant proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mid-atlantic-natural-gas-power-plant-proposals