Hearing set for Plant Dahlberg’s proposed increase

The hearing is set for 6 p.m. in the Jackson County Administrative Building, Jefferson.

The EPD will have representatives available to discuss plans to build and operate four new simple-cycle combustion turbines that would increase the plant’s output from 770 megawatts to 1530 megawatts.

Plant Dahlberg is a natural gas-fueled, simple-cycle combustion turbine electric-generating plant used to generate electricity for Southern Power. Eight of its 10 units went online in 2000, while the other two went online in 2001. The site is designed to accommodate 16 units.

Typically, the plant runs when the demand for electricity nears a peak - when electricity is at its most expensive.

Southern Power is a subsidiary of The Southern Company, which is the parent company of Georgia Power Co., Alabama Power Co., Gulf Power Co. and Mississippi Power Co. It acquires, builds, manages and owns electrical generating plants.

Immediately following the public meeting, the EPD will hold a public hearing at which time citizens may present data, make a statement or offer a comment in support of or in opposition to the proposed permit change, either orally or in writing.

A copy of the permit application is available at the County Administrative Building, 67 Athens Street, Jefferson.