Southwest Power Station Unit 2 becomes operational

Construction of City Utilities' 300-megawatt Southwest Power Station Unit 2 has been completed.

Initial planning for the station began in 2003, and construction of the $697 million project took four years, according to a CU news release. Springfield voters approved a bond issue for construction of the plant in June 2006.

The plant will undergo testing and commissioning for the remainder of 2010, but it is expected to be fully commercially operational in January.

"With this new unit, we believe that a balance of reliable, affordable and responsible power has been met,” City Utilities General Manager John Twitty said in the release.

The power station is an addition to the existing Southwest Power Station and is fueled by low-sulfur western coal, according to a CU frequently asked questions Web site.

Financing was provided by 30-year revenue bonds, which customers began paying in October via additional monthly charges.

The general contractors were Wisconsin-based Boldt Construction, Minnesota-based Cherne Contracting Corp., St. Louis-based Alberici Constructors Co., and Fenton-based Sachs Electric Co., according to Springfield Business Journal coverage.

The plant was formally dedicated and synched to the power grid at a Nov. 10 ceremony.

CU has estimated that additional base load generation will not be needed until 2020 or later, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]