City weighs coal power

LOGAN — City leaders are being urged to avoid buying electricity from a new coal-fired plant in central Utah.

Environmentalists warn that Unit 3 of the Intermountain Power Plant will spoil air quality if built near Delta.

In February, Logan's Municipal Council is expected to decide whether to purchase an additional 20 megawatts of electricity at a cost of $42 million. Logan's role would help justify the need for a third power unit.

The city already buys 44 megawatts of electricity a year but is preparing for growth.

A megawatt is enough electricity to power between 500 and 700 typical homes.

"It's just a balancing act," Councilwoman Tami Pyfer said. "Are we going to be able to provide the citizens of Logan with reliable power or are we going to wait for better technologies to come along?

"The one position I don't want to be in is that I've left citizens in the dark," she said.

Tim Wagner of the Sierra Club said cities that help the project are contributing to global warming.

"It's old-school technology in its present form, and they could do a lot better," he said.

Intermountain Power Agency is owned by nearly two dozen municipal utilities in Utah. Southern California cities purchase 75 percent of the electricity produced at units 1 and 2. Groundbreaking for Unit 3 is planned for 2008.

But many California cities interested in alternative energy have said they won't renew their contracts when agreements expire in 20 years.

Logan leaders said making a commitment to Unit 3 won't diminish their interest in alternative energy. Renewable and so-called green energy account for 30 percent.

"To refuse electric power now might be irresponsible," Councilwoman Laraine Swenson said. "We need to make sure that we're covered. Down the road, other sources will become viable."

Logan Light and Power director Jay Larsen said signing up with Unit 3 is the right choice The deadline to participate is months away.

"I'm not real anxious to expedite this," he said. "We're looking at power for our kids and grandkids. This is something we need to carefully consider."