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Platte Generating Station (PGS) was commissioned in 1982 and has provided reliable, low-cost electrical power to the community during the succeeding twenty five years.
PGS burned approximately 398,394 tons of low-sulfur coal in 2007 to produce 622,941,625 kilowatts of electric power.
Efficient and reliable service is attained through the acquisition of low-cost coal, and effective operation and maintenance practices. PGS has a staff of experienced, well-trained employees who have produced an enviable long-term plant operating record. The plant operates and is staffed continuously, including all holidays.
At full capacity, PGS produces 100 megawatts of electrical power which is enough to illuminate one million, 100 watt light bulbs. During most of the year, PGS provides enough power to satisfy customer demand. However, during peak demand periods additional power is generated at the Burdick Power Station or purchased from other power producers.
Electrical power is generated at PGS in strict compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations. In fact, PGS's air emissions remain well below required levels. In order to produce "clean" electrical power, low sulfur coal from Wyoming's Powder River Basin is burned. Low sulfur coal reduces the formation of air pollutants. Additionally, an electrostatic precipitator is used at PGS to remove more than 99 percent of the ash created during the coal combustion process. Since January 1, 1995, a continuous emissions monitor (CEM) has been in service which documents PGS's minute-by-minute compliance with clean air regulations.
Most water used at PGS is ultimately returned to the Platte River, following verification that acceptable water discharge standards have been met. Plant systems are designed for water conservation. For example, steam used in the turbine is condensed back into water and reused, and water used for transporting ash is returned to the plant for re-cycling.
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would like to introduce a new addition to our staff at PGS,
Mr. Otis P. Megawatt!
Otis was discovered one cold winter day hiding under a running boiler feed pump. Some how he snuck into the plant with all the doors closed, probably attracted to the gentle and efficient hum of our well maintained equipment. Otis was carefully pulled from under the boiler feed pump and cleaned up. His coat was full of stickers, his fur was matted and rather skinny. It is assumed that he was abandoned or otherwise, and found our clean and warm power plant for protection against the cold winter weather. A search for his owner was organized, and no one claimed him. Since no one else seemed to want Otis, we have gladly adopted him and he is now our plant mascot. Otis happily resides in the control room and enjoys riding shotgun with staff members while making their appointed rounds. Among his various duties, Otis serves as our Public and Staff Relations officer. In his free time he volunteers to help supervise our ever vigilant plant operators. Additionally, Otis is an expert at providing technical assistance as needed in the form of walks and kisses. The staff at PGS donate funds for veterinary bills and food, including the funding of recent surgery to mend some decaying teeth. |
Platte Generating Station Contacts
Mailing address: 1035 Wildwood Drive, Grand Island, Nebraska 68801, or P.O. Box 1968, Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-1968.
Location: Platte Generating Station is located about two miles south of Grand Island at the corner of Wildwood Drive and South Locust Street. From Interstate 80, exit 312, travel north on US 281 toward Grand Island for two miles. At Wildwood Drive, turn east and travel 1 1/2 miles to the main entrance. Platte Generating Station is open to the public during our regular business hours of Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 7 AM to 3:30 PM. All visitors must check into the office located on the north side of main building (plant) immediately upon entering the site. Anyone planning to enter the plant site after regular business hours should make prior arrangements. View map to Platte Generating Station
Contacts-
- General Information: call 308-385-5468 or fax 308-385-5353.
- Lynn Mayhew, Plant Superintendent, 308-385-5497
- Ryan Schmitz, Production Engineer, 308-385-5495
- Steve Blayney, Operations Supervisor, 308-385-5497
- Emily Muth, Regulatory and Environmental Specialist, 308-385-5495
- Mike Steinke, Maintenance Supervisor, 308-385-5468
View map to Platte Generating Station
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