Energy Sources

Cardinal Power Plant

Located along the Ohio River in Brilliant, Ohio
About 50 miles west of Pittsburgh and 15 miles north of Wheeling, West Virginia
With about 300 employees, and scores of vendors and contractors supporting them, Cardinal Power Plant is a major economic force in the region.
Cardinal Power Plant has three coal-fired generating units of a capacity up to 1,800 megawatts (MW).

Unit 1 was previously owned by AEP Generation Resources Inc., AEP’s competitive generation affiliate, and was purchased by Buckeye Power Inc. in August 2022 ending a 50+ year partnership between AEP and Buckeye Power. Unit 1 was placed in commercial service in 1967. Buckeye Power's purchase of Unit 1 paves the way for Buckeye Power to shut down Unit 3 by the end of 2028.

Unit 2 was came on-line later that same year and is owned by Buckeye Power. Each unit has generating capacity of 590 megawatts (MW).

Unit 3, also owned by Buckeye Power, began operation in 1977 and has generating capacity of 620 MW. Buckeye Power operates the facility on behalf of each owner.

Join us for a tour of the plant.

Every fall approximately 20 members join the Co-op for a tour of the facilities in Brilliant, Ohio.

Due to the facility’s structure, tour participants must be at least 12 years old; must have footwear designed for walking that covers the entire foot; must wear the provided eye, head, and hearing protection; and must not have significant health concerns or need assistance walking or climbing stairs.

Call the office at 937-592-4781 for more information.