RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Dominion Virginia Power said Wednesday it is asking Virginia regulators for permission to convert its oldest coal-fired power station in Fluvanna County to natural gas as part of previously announced plans to close or convert some of its power stations and open new ones to meet growing energy demands in the state.

The Richmond, Va.-based energy provider said it has filed an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for the conversion of its Bremo Power Station, a 227-megawatt, two-unit plant on the James River. If regulators approve the estimated $53.4 million conversion, the company said it would cease burning coal at the station in the fall of 2013.