Duke Energy says gas plant no threat to coal sector

摘要

In an application just filed with the Kentucky Public Service Commission for construction of a natural gas fired power plant, Duke Energy apparently felt it was necessary to address the plant's potential impact on the state's coal industry.Duke Energy said in its application for building the 640-mw plant that the simple cycle combustion turbines that will comprise the plant will operate only during peak hours and, "therefore, power generated by the proposed facility will not compete directly with existing coal-fired base-load generating plants in Kentucky." Duke Energy hopes to begin construction this June and place the facility in commercial operation in June 2002, in time for next year's summer peaking season.