In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant updates regarding maintenance and operational improvements for local power generation units. The meeting highlighted the successful completion of an air heater basket replacement during a recent outage, which allowed for an earlier return to service for Unit 1. Staff efforts were commended for their dedication in expediting the process.

Key maintenance activities during the outage included boiler feed pump repairs, inspections, and preventative maintenance. Notably, a backflow preventer was installed on the dust collector for coal silos, a safety measure recommended by industry experts to prevent potential explosions from spreading.

Looking ahead, the next outage for Unit 1 is scheduled for March 21, while Unit 2 will undergo a major outage starting October 25. This upcoming maintenance will involve the replacement of two levels of burner cores, addressing significant warpage observed in recently installed burners, which raised safety concerns. The manufacturer will cover the costs for the replacement of these warrantied items.

Additionally, Unit 2's cooling tower will undergo repairs, focusing on the two most critical cells after bids exceeded budget expectations. The repairs aim to enhance operational efficiency by replacing degraded components.

In response to impending EPA regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions, officials announced plans for a feasibility study on converting Unit 2 to natural gas. This initiative is crucial as plants operating beyond 2039 must achieve a 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2032. The board will receive updates on this study as it progresses over the next year.