Two companies are now interested in building natural gas fired power plants in Hamilton Township.

Friday, February 09, 2001

Two companies are now interested in building natural gas fired power plants in Hamilton Township.

Duke Energy, the most recent company, already has set a public hearing for Feb. 15 on plans to build near AEP’s electric substation.

Calpine Inc. and CME North American Merchant Energy – two companies that joined forces last year for a similar project at the old Goldcamp Farm – are also seeking a public hearing, required by state law.

"A lot of people think next week’s (meeting) is CME’s but it’s not," said Bob Blankenship, Hamilton Township trustee president.

Trustees have had little contact with Duke but have been working with CME and Calpine since last summer. At that time, CME held a preliminary meeting with the public to get input on their project.

They plan to build a billion-dollar plant that uses natural gas to generate thousands of megawatts of electricity.

Having both power companies interested is exciting for economic development, but puzzling, too, Blankenship said.

There is concern if the projects will hurt one another or the township and its future business, he said.

"Business is coming here, and we get excited about it, but we don’t want it to harm anyone else," Blankenship said. "We love the interest but our situation is CME was here first."

The trustees haven’t discussed the situation but might have to make a choice, he added.

The Ohio Power Siting Board will be one of the ultimate decision-makers on the power plants.

Both companies plan to distribute electricity via AEP’s substation.