CFS Secures $80.8 Million in Federal Funding for Coal Plants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2026

Washington, DC – Capitol Funding Solutions (CFS) is proud to announce that two major funding awards totaling $80.8 million have been secured for Wheeling Power Company and Southwest Electric Power Company. Funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) through Title III of the Defense Production Act, the awards will support coal plant modernization projects in West Virginia and Arkansas that strengthen grid reliability, improve operational efficiency, and support regional energy affordability.  

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The awarded projects focus on critical infrastructure improvements at two AEP-affiliated coal plants, each designed to enhance plant performance, reduce operational risk, and support continued grid stability. 

The Mitchell Mechanical Draft Cooling Tower Modernization Project was awarded $51,000,000 to support major infrastructure improvements at the Mitchell Plant in Moundsville, West Virginia. The project’s primary applicant, Wheeling Power Company, will use the funding to upgrade key plant systems, improve plant performance, support more dependable electricity delivery, and reduce the likelihood of service disruptions. The investment is also expected to improve system efficiency, helping the plant continue to provide reliable, cost-effective energy to the surrounding region. 

The Flint Creek Coal Plant Modernization and Resiliency Program was awarded $29,814,400 to advance a series of upgrades at the Flint Creek Plant in Gentry, Arkansas. The project’s primary applicant, Southwest Electric Power Company, will use the funding to improve plant operations by reducing fuel consumption, increasing efficiency, and strengthening overall reliability. These improvements will also support the plant’s long-term viability and help maintain its role as an important source of stable power for Northwest Arkansas.

ABOUT THE FUNDING

DOE leverages Defense Production Act authorities to provide federal funding for investments in domestic energy infrastructure that enhance grid reliability, energy security, and baseload power generation capacity. Through these authorities, DOE advances projects that modernize existing coal facilities, improve operational performance, support generating unit availability, and strengthen critical energy infrastructure. The Coal Fleet Projects selected under this initiative are intended to help maintain a reliable and affordable electricity supply while supporting the continued resilience of key power generation assets. 

Additional information about DOE’s project selections is available here.  

ABOUT CAPITOL FUNDING SOLUTIONS 

CFS is a competitive funding firm based in Washington, DC, providing end-to-end services designed to help clients find, win, and implement competitive funding. CFS guides clients through the complexities of federal, state, local, and private funding opportunities, delivering customized strategies that align with each organization’s mission and goals. With over $3 billion in secured funding, CFS collaborates with a network of strategic partners to maximize our clients' impact through competitive funding. 

Media Contact:

Samantha Benthien, Director of Strategic Communications:

[email protected]