TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Public Service Commission has granted JEA’s petition seeking a determination of need for a proposed natural gas power plant in Northeast Florida.
The proposed St. Johns River Power Park Unit 3 would be a 678-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating unit. Regulators said the facility would help JEA meet growing electricity demand while maintaining reliable service in Duval County and surrounding communities.
The commission determined that the unit is needed to accommodate increasing demand and replace generating units scheduled for retirement.
“Today’s decision supports JEA’s long-term planning to meet the region’s growing electricity needs,” FPSC Chairman Smith said. “The new generating unit is expected to strengthen the electric system while providing a cost-effective, long-term source of power for customers.”
JEA filed its petition June 4. As part of its review, the commission considered projected demand, system reliability, construction costs and whether other reasonable alternatives could meet customers’ needs.
The determination of need does not complete the approval process. It is one component of Florida’s power plant siting and certification process, which is coordinated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
JEA provides electricity to approximately 537,000 customers in Jacksonville and portions of Clay and St. Johns counties.
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