There’s been a lot of speculation as to what’s going on at the local power generating units at Huntington and Hunter. The Emery County Progress contacted Dave Eskelsen from Rocky Mountain Power to see what information he could share with the county. In speaking to him, he related that information regarding the individual generating units is confidential.
He did comment on the current market situation for power generation. Eskelsen did not comment on how long Hunter 3 would be off line for routine maintenance. This overhaul was planned and includes the rebuilding of the cooling tower.
Eskelsen said the spring and fall are typically the seasons with the lowest demand for power. Summer is usually the peak season for power demand depending on the temperature of the summer. He said it’s reported this summer will be a warm one. Some areas in Wyoming and also Park City, Alta and near the ski resorts their peak usage is in the winter.
Eskelsen said the company uses market purchases year-round to meet the needs of its customers and bring them the lowest cost for power. “The company as a whole peaks in summer and needs to have enough generation power for peak and a reserve,” said Eskelsen.
Eskelsen said the buying and selling of power is a complicated market and well regulated.
Eskelsen reported the energy economy is different now than it was 10 years ago. There’s a combination of wind, solar and renewables connected to the transmission system. But, these are intermittent resources and must be filled in with natural gas and coal. The coal units are cycled in and out of use. “It’s a balancing act, what customers needs are met with what generation,” said Eskelsen.
Supplies of hydro power are high right now, natural gas prices are low leading to less demand for the coal fired units.
Generation units are sometimes taken off line for routine repairs and sometimes there are unplanned/unscheduled events where a unit goes off line. Units being held in reserve will be kept at the ready until market demands create a need.
Emery County Economic Development Director Jordan Leonard said he has not heard of any lay-offs within the power plant itself. In fact, three new laborers were hired. However, there may be some reductions with the support industries for the power plant including trucking and ash control. He thinks it will be a good thing to get the units maintained and ready to fire back up. As demand increases Leonard reported the units must be ready to ramp up within 24-48 hours notice.
Eskelsen provided the following information:
* Hunter Unit 3 is off-line for its planned normal overhaul. This project is proceeding according to schedule.
* We do not discuss the operating status of generating units, or the progress and schedule of maintenance overhauls. This information can be financially sensitive for our customers. Power marketers can use this information to the company’s disadvantage in market pricing of electricity purchases. That increases costs to customers, so we keep the information confidential.
* Generally, for PacifiCorp’s system operations at this time, hydroelectric power is increasing in availability, as it normally does this time of year. Plus, the cost of electric generation from natural gas power plants is currently lower.
* Customer demand is typically lowest in the spring and fall, which makes those seasons a good time for scheduled maintenance.
* In managing our generation and transmission system for the benefit of customers, company operators typically select the lower-cost resources first. This may result in some company-owned generating units being kept in reserve until needed, particularly when regional market prices for purchased power are favorable.
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