Keeping the Mountaineer, Mitchell and John Amos power plants open past 2028 would require AEP customers to pay the difference, if approved by the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Customers would collectively pay $48 million each year. A public hearing Friday brought out several sides of the coin, like those pushing to keep the coal-fired plants going until at least 2040 by instituting federally-mandated upgrades. WCHS TV reported concerns were raised too about the environmental impact and long-term sustainability. The PSC has until Oct. 13 to make a decision on who shoulders the financial load.