Photo by Diane Cox
The Dynegy coal-fired power plant in East Alton.
In early November, Dynegy Inc. announced plans to close its 465-megawatt coal-fired power plant in East Alton.
On March 22, Dynegy’s request to close its doors was approved and the facility will most likely shut down effective June 1.
“The reliability study indicates that Dynegy has the option to close effective on the requested date of June 1,” MISO Manager of Corporate Communications Andy Schonert said. “They can retire the plant or they may choose not to retire. Our expectation is that they will shut down. With the options in place, Dynegy would not be required for a System Support Resource contract (SSR). It’s up to them from this point.”
Area concerns identified by the reliability study indicated issues that will need to be addressed by 2020. Ameren has proposed a number of transmission upgrades to address the need for long-term solutions. The reliability study was the last hurdle to be crossed to determine the future of the Dynegy power plant and the fate of nearly 100 area employees.
The total impact of tax revenue lost within the region amounts to $1,485,667. Dynegy is capable of supplying 21 million homes with energy.