FPSC Approves JEA's New Natural Gas Power Plant in Northeast Florida

The Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) has approved JEA's request for a new natural gas power plant in Northeast Florida. The proposed St. Johns River Power Park Unit 3 will be a 678-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating unit, aimed at meeting growing electricity demand while maintaining reliable service in Duval County and surrounding communities.

The commission determined that the unit is needed to accommodate increasing demand and replace generating units scheduled for retirement. According to FPSC Chairman Smith, 'Today's decision supports JEA's long-term planning to meet the region's growing electricity needs.'

JEA filed its petition on June 4, and as part of its review, the commission considered projected demand, system reliability, construction costs, and whether other reasonable alternatives could meet customers' needs.