EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC CO FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Julie Maus
Director of Corporate Communications 417-625-5101
jmaus@empiredistrict.com
JOPLIN, MO - November 17, 2015 - The Empire District Electric Company will conduct high- velocity steam cleaning of piping for the new combined cycle generating unit at the Riverton Power Plant beginning tomorrow, November 18, 2015.
The high-velocity cleaning process, commonly referred to as steam blows, can generate significant noise, however, silencing equipment has been installed to reduce sound levels as much as possible. The steam blows will occur intermittently from approximately 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day for the next several days. The cleaning process is necessary to prepare for the testing and start-up of the new combined cycle unit at Riverton.
According to Blake Mertens, Vice President of Energy Supply and Delivery Operations, 'We want local residents to be aware this process will result in steam releases that may generate noise slightly above normal operational levels. This is a routine part of the steam cleaning process and there is no cause for concern.'
The new unit at Riverton is part of a plan to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency standards for mercury. The combined cycle addition will replace the production capacity of two coal units that were recently retired at Riverton. The high efficiency of the new unit will help control fuel costs, lower emissions and ensure reliable energy for Empire customers.
Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE: EDE) is an investor- owned, regulated utility providing electric, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 218,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the company provides fiber optic services. For more information regarding Empire, visit www.empiredistrict.com.
###
THE EMPIRE DISTRICT ELECTRIC COMPANY 602 JOPLIN AVENUE JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64802 417- 625- 5100 FAX: 417- 625- 5169 www.empiredistrict.com
|
distributed by
|
