Coal

Layoff notices sent as coal-fired power plant moves toward closure

Energy Harbor sent notices to employees notifying them that layoffs are slated to take place in March and April.

The W.H. Sammis coal-fired power plant in Ohio appears on track to close this year.

The plant’s owner, Energy Harbor, notified state labor officials that layoffs are slated to take place in March and April, and that the plant would close in July. Around 140 jobs are affected.

Last May, Energy Harbor said it planned to deactivate or sell the remaining units of the power plant along the Ohio River five years earlier than previously expected.

The Akron-based company said the move was part of its plan to become a carbon-free energy generator by the end of 2023. Energy Harbor also said it would sell or close its other coal plant, Pleasants Power Station in West Virginia, by the same deadline.

Energy Harbor filed deactivation notices last spring with PJM Interconnection for the following generating units:

  • W.H. Sammis Diesel Units SAA, B1-B4, Stratton, Ohio (12.5 MW, diesel oil)
  • W.H. Sammis Units 5-7, Stratton, Ohio (1,694 MW, coal)
  • Pleasants Power Station Units 1 and 2, Willow Island, West Virginia (1,368 MW, coal)

Energy Harbor has said that the baseload power generated by its nuclear units is “critical infrastructure” required for the clean energy transition. 

Among the job losses at Sammis are 22 maintenance mechanics, 18 control room operators, and 19 yard operators.

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