MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia's Longview Power has filed for bankruptcy.

The coal-fired plant operator on Tuesday announced it filed for Chapter 11, saying low natural gas prices, a warm winter and the coronavirus pandemic have caused a decrease in electricity demands.

A statement from Longview said the company will continue to operate during the bankruptcy reorganization process.

Longview says the plant is cheaper to operate and more efficient than other coal-burning plants.

Former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry toured the facility in 2017 and said the plant's technology provides the ability to deliver a secure, economical and environmentally good source of energy.

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