Virginia Power asked the State Corporation Commission Tuesdayfor authority to build and operate five natural gas-firedcombustion turbines to generate power for the utility’s two millioncustomers during peak demand periods.

The cost of the combustion turbines and associated facilitieshas been projected at $230 million. Each of the combustion turbineswould generate 150 MW of power, and would typically operate duringthe hottest days of summer or the coldest days of winter.

The utility made the request after peak demand hit a record of15,399 MW during a one-hour period on July 22nd. It was the secondtime this summer that demand from customers exceeded the previouspeak of 14,910 MW, according to Virginia Power.

In its application, Virginia Power, the largest utility in thestate, said four of the combustion turbine units would need to beoperating by June 2000, while the fifth unit could be delayed untilJune 2001.

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