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Energy
SRP directors approve converting coal plant to natural gas
James R Eastwood
The Coronado Generating Station in St. Johns, in eastern Arizona, is a coal-fired power plant owned by Salt River Project, a Phoenix-area utility. (File photo courtesy SRP)
The Salt River Project board of directors recently approved allowing Coronado Generating Station to run on natural gas.
The decision comes after a recent announcement by SRP that the utility would end coal generation by 2032, with plans to complete renovations to the generating station in 2029. Coronado Generating Station is located in St. Johns in the northeast part of Arizona.
SRP serves more than 150,000 homes in the Valley and expects to see more than a 50% increase in customers by 2035.
Jim Pratt, SRP general manager and CEO, said in a press release that this is the best option for the community.
“SRP is exploring all options to meet future demand reliably, affordably and sustainably, including leveraging existing generating sites,” Pratt said.
To save money and reduce carbon emissions, the company is working to find replacements to high operating costs through the year 2045.
This change is expected to save customers more than $300 million compared to building a new natural gas facility. This will include a new pipeline and new technology to help the transmission of power from a generator to home or business.
“Converting the Coronado Generating Station to natural gas provides the best option to support our customers and the surrounding community,” said Pratt.
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