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EKPC to continue operating obsolete power station into 2016

By wmadministrator

WINCHESTER, Ky.— East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) has delayed plans to deactivate two coal-fired electrical power generating units in Clark County, Ky., until April 2016. The co-op did so at the request of its regional bulk electric grid operator, PJM Interconnection.

Last year, EKPC announced plans to deactivate Dale Station Units #3 and #4 by April 2015 due to highly expensive measures needed to meet provisions of the federal Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. Concerned about EKPC’s ability to generate the resources necessary to maintain grid reliability — especially during winter 2015-16 — PJM requested in late 2014 that EKPC delay Dale Station’s closure for one year.

EKPC now has needed regulatory approval for a one-year operating extension. This does not delay EKPC’s plans to remove coal ash currently at the Dale Station power plant, and transport it to a permitted coal ash landfill at another Clark County power plant.

In April 2014, EKPC made the decision to close Dale Station Units #1 and #2 and begin exploring the marketing of those assets.

PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission operator, ensuring the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 61 million people in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.