Air permit issued for Holcomb expansion

Project remains option to meet long-term regional energy needs

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an air permit on Dec. 16 for a new generating unit at Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Holcomb Station in western Kansas.  With other utilities, Tri-State is a partner in the proposed project.

“The state’s reasoned decision helps advance to the next step a resource that can secure the region’s long-term energy needs with affordable and reliable electricity,” said Ken Anderson, executive vice president and general manager of Tri-State.  “As the economy grows and as existing generation resources age, new energy resources like the Holcomb expansion are critical.”

Tri-State identified the opportunity to participate in the proposed Holcomb expansion in 2005 and has worked closely with its utility partners on permitting activities.

“We will continue to perfect the Holcomb option for consideration,” said Anderson. “Tri-State will review the permit and assess the activities necessary to meet its conditions.”

The Holcomb project is one of several options Tri-State is considering to meet long-term energy requirements.  Tri-State continually evaluates its resource plans to identify the appropriate options required to affordably and reliably meet the needs of its 44 member rural electric distribution systems in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming, and well as to serve the electrical needs of the region.

In recent years, Tri-State has expanded its energy efficiency programs, made investments in renewable energy, increased natural gas capacity and entered into power contracts to meet member system growth and diversify its resource portfolio.   As part of its long-term planning, Tri-State is evaluating many resource and fuel options, including coal, natural gas, nuclear technology and renewable technologies.

Tri-State recently filed a resource plan with the Western Area Power Administration.  The filing identified the need for additional resources in the next ten years.  Given the long lead times required to site, permit and construct new generation resources, the association continues to analyze multiple resource options, including the Holcomb project, to meet long-term resource needs.

Updated: December 16, 2010