Florida-based FPL Energy Inc. said it will build, own andoperate a 1,000 MW, gas-fired power plant in Paris, TX, that willbe one of the largest independent generation projects in the state.Electricity generated at the site, about 100 miles northeast ofDallas, will be sold primarily in the Texas wholesale market. Threefirms, Texas Utilities Electric Co., Texas-New Mexico Power, andConstellation Power Source, have contracts to buy 700 MW of theplant’s output for various periods. Construction of thecombined-cycle plant is to begin immediately. Commercial operationis scheduled for mid-2000. The maximum daily quantity of gas thatwould consumed by the plant is 170,000 Dth/d.

FPL Energy, a subsidiary of FPL Group Inc., purchased the rightto build the plant from Dallas-based Panda Energy International,which has obtained permitting and completed all development work todate. Panda will retain an ownership interest in the project.

“FPL Energy now has 1,900 MW in operation and almost 1,400 MWannounced as under construction or development,” said FPL EnergyPresident Michael Yackira. He said Texas is an attractive area forinvestment because demand for electricity is growing and stateregulators are encouraging development of a robust wholesalemarketplace.

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