Frequently Asked Questions - Comprehensive Energy Plan
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Why were coal and wind chosen for new generation? The plan includes new electricity generation in the form of coal and wind - coal to keep costs low and wind for clean, renewable energy. Based on its analysis, KCP&L believes this mix of generation achieves the best balance of economic and environmental considerations. What is the current capacity of the KCP&L system and how much is being added? Our capacity prior to the plan was slightly more than 4,000 megawatts from coal, gas, oil, and nuclear plants. The new framework adds roughly 600 megawatts, including 100 megawatts of new wind generation in Spearville, Kansas, and 465 megawatts from a new 850-megawatt coal plant that KCP&L anticipates owning in partnership with other utilities. There is the potential to add an additional 100 megawatts at a future date. This regulated generation will serve KCP&L customers in both states.. I understand the need for more electricity, but why coal? Coal is cheaper and less subject to price volatility than other fuels and is in abundant supply. Industry experts estimate a 300-year supply of cleaner-burning, low-sulfur coal compared to a 40-year supply of natural gas. Coal is an important element in our proposal because it will help keep energy prices affordable. In addition, today's coal plants burn much cleaner and more efficiently than their predecessors, thanks to advancements in generation and environmental technologies. We think this makes sense based on future needs and economies of scale. It is generally better to build the most efficient plant rather than several smaller ones of higher cost. The design of this plant would use the best technology to be very efficient and include the latest and best equipment for environmental controls.
Did KCP&L consider a coal gasification plant? Our plan calls for the use of super-critical boiler technology, which is proven, economical and reliable, as opposed to coal gasification technology, which is presently not proven, not economical and not reliable. Who gets the power produced from the new coal and wind plants? The new coal plant will be located on our existing Iatan plant site in Platte County, Missouri, and the wind facility is in Spearville, Kansas. KCP&L's share of this regulated generation will serve KCP&L customers in both states. Why is Platte County the preferred location? Building a second plant near an existing plant decreases construction and operating costs.
Who would own the new coal-fired plant? We will own 465 megawatts, or 54.71% of the new unit, with the remaining capacity divided as follows: Aquila - 18%, Empire - 12%, MJMUEC - 11.76%, and KEPCO - 3.53%. The new plant will be developed and operated by KCP&L and is projected to go in service in 2010.
Why not even more renewable energy? Wind is an important part of a balanced portfolio because it is a renewable resource that generates electricity without producing emissions and polluting the environment. However, the wind only blows hard enough in our area to generate power 25% to 40% of the time. Renewable technologies continue to develop, and this portfolio approach will improve our ability to adopt additional renewable generation as innovations occur in generation, transmission and distribution. Where is the wind facility located? Our 100.5-megawatt Spearville Wind Energy Facility is located in Dodge County, Kansas. The facility's 67 towers generate enough intermittent power to serve up to 33,000 homes. Who will own the wind facility? KCP&L owns the Spearville Wind Energy Facility. Originally, KCP&L's proposal contained 200 megawatts of wind. Why is it only 100 MW now? KCP&L agreed to build 100 megawatts of wind in 2006. An additional commitment for another 100 megawatts is anticipated to be evaluated in 2008.
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