Environmental mandates dictated by the federal government require the withdrawal of the Gorgas plant



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After more than a century of secure, reliable and affordable electricity supply for its customers, Plant Gorgas is closing due to costly and federally mandated environmental mandates.

Government regulation of the handling of coal ash and wastewater is the main cause of Alabama Power's decision to close Plant Gorgas, said Jim Heilbron, executive vice president and chief production officer of the company.

"We recognize that Plant Gorgas and the men and women who have exploited it have brought great value to Alabama Power, our customers and the local community," Heilbron added.

The company estimates it would cost about $ 300 million to comply with the latest round of environmental mandates and continue to operate the plant's three coal-fired generators.

Plant Gorgas has been operating on the Black Warrior River since 1917. (Alabama NewsCenter)

"We are also concerned that new regulations are on the horizon and may require additional and costly factory expenses," Heilbron said.

The Gorgas factory has undergone many changes since the commissioning of its first production unit in 1917. This original unit has long been taken out of service, but the factory provides some of the best equipment. Reliable electricity to customers of Alabama Power since its inception. Plant Gorgas will be officially closed on April 15th.

The closure of Plant Gorgas will not affect the company's ability to provide reliable service to its customers. Alabama Power and its employees will continue to be an integral part of the local community and participate in its work.

The federal government's environmental mandates for coal and the costs of compliance change the way Alabama Power provides electricity to customers.

The use of various fuels gives Alabama Power the ability to change fuel source and protect its customers in an unstable energy market.

"Alabama Power strives to provide its customers with reliable, affordable electricity while protecting the environment we all share," said Heilbron. He added that the company is continually reviewing its production fleet and fuel mix to determine the most cost-effective way to meet the needs of its customers, while meeting all government requirements.

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