Hutchinson Utilities Commission
225 Michigan ST SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350-1905
Office: (320) 587-4746
Fax: (320) 587-4721
Monday - Friday
7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Gas Power Plant to be Delivered to Hutchinson Utilities
Hutchinson Utilities
Plant No. 1 Generation Upgrade
Hutchinson Utilities has always been concerned with producing electrical energy as cleanly and efficiently as possible. In the fall of 2009, Hutchinson Utilities received notice from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that all reciprocating internal combustion engines that produce electricity will have to significantly reduce their exhaust emissions. The best and most cost effective way to attain this is to install a catalyst inside the exhaust muffler much like the automobile industry does today. The problem that we have with some of our older engines at plant 1 is that the exhaust temperature is too low for a catalyst system to work therefore these engines cannot become compliant with the new EPA rulings. Prior to these new rulings being handed down, the utilities staff had already been involved in generation strategy meetings to determine the best and most efficient way to produce power for our customers in the current market. The result of these meetings indicated two major items. We needed to procure a long term base load power contract of which we attained in 2010. Secondly, add some intermediate size fuel efficient environmentally friendly generators to fully take advantage of market prices and stabilize our customer's rates. The staff at the Utilities has moved forward with the new engine project by selecting an engineering firm which is currently developing the specifications for the new engines and will go out for bids in early 2011. The Hutchinson Utilities crews are currently removing 3 of the old generators at its plant no.1 facility making room for the 1st new engine which is to be installed by June of 2012.
Randy Blake, Production Manager
"Downtown Power Plant"
or
Plant 1 Restoration Project
In 2006, a major road construction project opened up the area surrounding the power plant, making it a major attraction when entering Hutchinson. The Hutchinson Utilities Commission authorized a multi-year project to improve the appearance of the power plant and surrounding area.
The first phase was to improve the appearance of the building. Cleaning the exterior and tuck-pointing joints was accomplished along with painting, window replacement and a new brick facade to the main entrance.
The second phase will consist of landscaping; including plantings, decorative concrete piers, steel fencing and monumental signs on the north and west side of the building.
The final phase will include more landscaping as well as storm water management ponds which will be added on the south and east sides of the building. A trail connection from Highway 15 to the existing trail by the river will be constructed and the parking areas on the east and south will be resurfaced.
