IURC News Release

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission                                                                

302 West Washington Street, Room 306                                                                               

Indianapolis, Indiana  46204                                                                                      

317.232.2297 office

317.233.1982 fax

www.state.in.us/iurc

 

Contact:  Mary Beth Fisher

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                         

March 7, 2001

 

DUKE ENERGY KNOX TO BUILD AND OPERATE MERCHANT PLANT

 

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission today approved a request from Duke Energy Knox to build and operate a 640 MW power generation facility.  The facility will be known as The Knox Generating Station.

 

In Cause 41803, the majority of the Commissioners are satisfied that there is not only a generic need for power in the region, but also a particular need for the power that will be generated by the facility.

The evidence in this case also indicates that the facility should reduce the cost of power and provide additional power that, in turn, will benefit ratepayers in Indiana.  The company also agrees to operate its facility in a manner consistent with good utility practice that will not harm or cause harm to Indiana retail customers.

 

Community leaders support the project and some were on hand as the Commissioners signed the order.

 

The plant will be located near the town of Wheatland in Knox County.  The estimated cost of the facility is in excess of $200 million.   The company has submitted evidence that it has complied with local zoning and land use requirements, and has obtained or will obtain all local construction-related permits.

 

To allow the IURC to keep track of electric systems across the state, the order requires the company to keep the IURC informed of progress during construction.  The company is also required to seek prior approval of any transfer of assets owned by Duke Energy Knox.

 

Electricity generated at the facility will be sold solely on the wholesale market.  Duke Energy Knox does not intend and is not authorized by the IURC to sell any electricity generated from this facility to the public on a retail basis.

 

Duke Energy Knox is a Limited Liability Company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.  It is a publicly traded energy services company with extensive domestic and international operations.

 

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