Officials consider Morristown power plant

RUSHVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Officials say Morrisstown could receive a major boost to its local economy.

Tenaska, a power producer, is considering a site in Morristown to construct a gas-fueled generating plant. The plant would help meet the growing need for clean electric power generation in the region.

The announcement was made during a Town Council meeting Wednesday night.

"We looked at several possible locations in Indiana, and Morristown has the right mix of access to electric transmission and natural gas, along with a welcoming community," Helen Manroe, director of development with Tenaska said. "Potential customers' need for electricity and the price we can offer to them will ultimately determine whether the plant can move forward, but we are confident we have a great site to market."

 The plant could be capable of producing up to 900 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough capacity to power approximately 900,000 homes in the region, although the final size and configuration of the plant will be based on customer need, our partners at the Rushville Republican report.

Construction could begin as early as 2014 and operation could begin by 2017.

A final decision to move forward with the plant will be based on evaluation of costs, market need and power of customer interest.