The City of Madisonville and the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency, have partnered up to bring a power plant to the City limits, and the Mayor appeared on WHOP Tuesday to explain the details of that project.
Appearing on the Early Bird Show, Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton says that in the past, they’ve purchased power through Kentucky Utilities, but this new plant and agreement will allow them to purchase power on the open market through their own organization with KYMEA.
KYMEA is a public power agency that focuses on providing reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy solutions.
The new power plant will serve all 12 communities on that grid, and by having their own power generation, they can better control the rates, hopefully keeping things affordable.
The power plant was announced in September and will have a Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine with a capacity of 75 megawatts. RICE power plants burn natural gasses which fuel a mechanic system that generates electricity.
Energy Center I is set to be operational by summer 2027 and will create at least 15 full-time jobs once construction is completed.
Mayor Cotton says it’s just another piece to the puzzle on making Madisonville not just attractive to businesses looking for a place to settle, but also a better place for families and individuals to live.
Along with the recent opening of the Kentucky Sports Factory—Madisonville’s new sports complex—and the location of a state law enforcement training facility in their area, Madisonville has a had a lot of announcements recently. Mayor Cotton says Madisonville is working together with Hopkinsville to keep those regional announcements coming.