AEP revises portfolio forecast, adds more coal than predicted

American Electric Power Company Inc. (NYSE: AEP) says more coal production will be added to its energy portfolio by 2020, replacing natural gas.

Previously AEP expected coal to make up 46 percent of its generation capacity. Now, in a revised portfolio forecast, the company says coal will make up 51 percent.

According to Biz Journals, the projection changed because AEP decided to retire two coal-fired power plants instead of converting them to natural gas.

Spokesperson Tammy Ridout said natural gas will still increase but not as much as previously predicted.