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Taylorville power plant could need help from lawmakers
BY MIKE RIOPELL, THE SOUTHERN SPRINGFIELD BUREAU
MAY 16, 2007 – SPRINGFIELD - The future of a proposed Taylorville coal power plant and the thousands of jobs it could bring could be in question unless lawmakers change some rules, development officials said Tuesday.
Bill Braudt, general manager of Tenaska, says that it'll be tough to move forward with the $2 billion project unless lawmakers allow developers to sign long-term contracts with utility companies.
"It will be very difficult," he said. Tenaska is based in Omaha, Neb., and would build and run the 630-megawatt plant.
Supporters think the proposed Taylorville Energy Center could create thousands of local jobs and aid the state coal industry. Tuesday, they released a study by Northern Illinois University professor John Lewis that showed potential economic benefits.
The study showed that construction of the plant could create 2,500 jobs. Once operating, it would employ an estimated 660 people.
The proposed plant would use relatively new gasification technology, which burns gas made from coal and therefore cuts down on pollution. Because Illinois coal is plentiful, and famous for burning dirty, Illinois Coal Association president Phil Gonet says the Taylorville project could provide another buyer for state coal.
"I see a huge rebound in our industry," he said.
But before construction likely can start, lawmakers have to pass the legislation, and state Rep. Gary Hannig, D-Litchfield, says it might be complicated.
Some even suggested the Taylorville plant could help lower state power bills because it would create more electricity for the market and therefore drive prices down.
Officials cautioned that the long building time means customers won't immediately feel any relief on their electric bills. Even if everything goes as hoped planned this year, construction could take four years.
Hannig's legislation is House Bill 1834.
mike.riopell@lee.net
(217) 789-0865
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