We are currently in the engineering and pre-construction phase. Recent progress includes:
Site Survey & Prep: Preliminary surveys are underway to determine the engineering needed to support the RICE units. Demolition of outdated equipment will follow.
Expert Partnership: Sargent & Lundy has been contracted to lead facility design and equipment procurement. We are currently finalizing the conceptual site layout.
Procurement: Specifications for the RICE units and GSU transformers are expected to be released for public proposal in late February 2026.
FAQs
While the City is committed to renewable energy, sources like wind and solar are "intermittent." The AMEC provides dispatchable power, meaning it can be turned on the moment the wind stops blowing or demand spikes, ensuring your lights stay on regardless of the weather.
Based on a study with HDR, RICE units were the clear winner for reliability and rates. They offer much faster start-up times than combined-cycle plants and are more efficient at varying loads, making them the perfect partner for a grid that uses a lot of renewable energy.
One of the three core principles of the project study was rates. By building on the site of the former coal yard, the City is saving significant money on infrastructure and grid interconnection costs to keep the transition as cost-effective as possible.