Oregon Power Plant Proposals Proliferating

SALEM, OR-The West Coast energy crisis is spawning new power plant proposals in Oregon. Crossing state regulators desks in recent weeks are plans for four natural gas-fired power plants and one wind-powered plant.

The most recent proposal is by Portland General Electric, which filed a notice of intent earlier this week to install a 550-megawatt turbine near Clatskanie. Also planning 550-megawatt facilities are Summit Power Northwest, which is proposing one near St. Helens, and PG&E National Energy Group, which is planning one in Umatilla County.

Additionally, a group called FPL Energy wants to build a 100-megawatt wind-powered plant also in Umatilla County, and Charlotte, NC-based Cogentrix Energy has plans to install four gas-fired turbines near Madras that would generate 1,000 megawatts. The typical 550-megawatt, natural gas-fired plant costs in the neighborhood of $350 million to develop.