Pub. 6 2016 Issue 1

25 MINING FOCUS INTERMOUNTAIN POWER continued on page 26 sion System consists of a 500-kilovolt direct current line that extends from the generating station in central Utah to Adel- anto, California, where it connects with the southern California distribution grid. While providing enough electricity for approximately 1.5 mil- lion homes throughout the western United States, the Project consistently ranks as one of the most efficient generating sta- tions of its size in the nation. Data published annually by the North American Electric Reliability Council shows that IPP’s equivalent availability factor regularly ranks 5 percent higher than the industry average and net capacity factor is more than 10 percent higher. These measurements show that the Proj- ect is both ready for service and actually in service at much higher rates than most similar plants. The Project also has been one of America’s cleanest coal- fueled generating stations. The Project’s sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions have consistently been among the lowest for coal fueled power plants across the nation. Economic Engine Since the ‘80s Prior to development of the Intermountain Power Proj- ect, Millard County was a sparsely populated, mostly agricultural community more than a hundred miles from Utah’s more populous communities surrounding Salt Lake City. To- day, the Millard County area retains its wide open spaces and rural character, but enjoys a much higher standard of living as a result of energy development in the area. The Project has proven itself as an economic engine for Utah. The Utah Foundation reported that IPP, through a multiplier effect, makes an average contribution per year of $866 mil- lion in economic activity to the state of Utah providing 4,600 non-farm jobs and $222 million in household earnings. IPA has paid more than $578 million in direct tax payments to Utah and Utah communities despite the fact that its not-for-profit municipal owners ordinarily would be exempt from taxation. IPP also voluntarily supports Utah higher education through scholarship endowments now totaling more than $1.2 million. The Project also routinely participates in development projects for specific communities. A recent example is the completion of the Carbon County Rails to Trails project – a 9 mile recreational all-terrain vehicle trail constructed on unused IPP railroad property. The five year project was com- pleted at a cost of $625,000 with no government or grant assistance. Efforts Under Way to “Renew IPP” Energy development does not occur in a vacuum. Electricity generation, in particular, needs to be connected to the grid so Auxiliary operator Troy Pace stands near the Intermountain Generating Station’s coal pile. IPP typically consumes around 5 million tons of coal per year. IPP department manager Mark Shipley overlooks one of the Intermountain Generating Station’s 900-megawatt turbine generators.