To reiterate: American Electric Power chief says coal is here to stay

Coal's not going anywhere, according to American Electric Power's CEO, Nick Akins, even though production will decrease to 39 percent from 45 by 2020, reports Megan Workman of The Charleston Gazette. "Once technology is proven, you'll start to see coal come back," he said. "We still need coal. . . . If someone is trying to eliminate that, it's just not going to happen." He made the remarks during a speech at the University of Charleston during its event "Energy: Who's Got the Power?"

Akins said AEP, which serves 38 eastern and central U.S. states, faces the challenge of adhering to mandates that have an impact on electricity rates paid by customers. He said West Virginia's lack of an energy policy is "counterproductive" and state regulators need to "speak up" to change this. He said the company is an advocate for coal, but natural gas will be a "bigger piece of the puzzle" in the future. Before AEP, Akins served as CEO of Southwestern Electric Power, with customers in Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. He oversaw AEP's efforts to adopt new technology addressing climate-change concerns. (Read more)