Lawrence Generating Station 

The Lawrence Generating Station began commercial operation on May 1, 2005. Hoosier Energy and Wabash Valley Power own the $90-million, 258-megawatt natural gas-fired generating facility, located on a 50-acre site between Bedford and Mitchell in Lawrence County.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was present at the plant’s official dedication on July 13, 2005.

Each of the station’s six units has a capacity of 43 megawatts. The quick start-up capability of its simple cycle combustion turbines adds operational and economic flexibility for the cooperative power suppliers, particularly during periods of peak demand.

The site is adjacent to natural gas lines, water supplies and Hoosier Energy’s 161-kilovolt transmission lines, which provide access to the power grid. Calpine Power Services operates the Lawrence Station under a contract with Hoosier Energy.

Lawrence Generating Station facts

• At full operation, the 258-megawatt plant can supply the power requirements of 85,000 homes.
• Construction of the plant began in September 2003 and required approximately 350,000 hours of labor.
• Cost of the plant was approximately $90 million
• The plant is capable of reaching full capacity within 13 minutes of dispatch.
• The plant’s General Electric gas turbine engines are similar to those used on large commercial aircraft. The engines are capable of operating quickly and efficiently through a broad range of power settings.
• The power output on each engine is approximately 43,000 kilowatts.
• Two 30-inch natural gas pipelines supply fuel for the plant.

Read more in our 2006 profile for Lawrence and Worthington power plants.