Langley Gulch Power Plant topic of April 2 open house

IBR Staff//April 2, 2009//

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Idaho Power is hosting an open house in New Plymouth on April 2 to inform Payette County residents on its proposed 300-megawatt natural gas-fired Langley Gulch Power Plant.

The new power plant, which would be located on a site south of Interstate 84 at exit 9, is expected to cost $427.4 million. The price tag includes the cost of about 20 miles of transmission line needed to connect the plant to the utility’s power grid.

According to an application filed with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission last month, Idaho Power said it intends to partner with Omaha-based Kiewit Power Engineers Co. and The Industrial Company, based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., to provide engineering, procurement and construction.

Pending PUC approval, construction could begin on the project as early as Sept. 1, 2009, with the plant on-line by Dec. 1, 2012. According to Idaho Power, about 100 workers would be needed during construction, and an additional 18 jobs would be created to operate and maintain the facility.

The open house will be 5 to 7 p.m. at the New Plymouth High School, 207 S. Plymouth Ave. Idaho Power said brief, informal presentations will take place at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and staff members will be on hand to answer questions.