GE Energy Provides Two LM6000-PD Sprint® Units to California Utility for Extra System Support during Peak Usage Periods
HOUSTON, TEXAS-May 17, 2007-The sixth largest utility in California will receive two GE Energy LM6000-PD Sprint® aeroderivative gas turbine generator sets with emissions control modules.
GE will provide Imperial Irrigation District (IID) with the generator sets for installation at the Niland Gas Turbine Plant located in Niland, Calif. The electricity produced will be used as additional power during peak usage periods to support the seven to nine percent annual growth in electricity demand for the region.
The highly efficient LM6000-PD Sprint gas turbine generator sets are rated at 48 megawatts each and are equipped with the world's leading dry low emissions combustion systems for aeroderivative gas turbines. LM6000 gas turbines were selected because of their demonstrated reliability and ability to respond to fast demands in grid conditions by reaching full power in less than 10 minutes from the moment the additional power is needed.
The LM6000-PD Sprint aeroderivative gas turbines will be manufactured at the GE industrial aeroderivative gas turbine facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. The overall package construction and testing will be conducted at the GE Energy packaging facility in Houston, Texas. The gas turbines are expected to begin commercial operation prior to the summer of 2008.
"We are pleased that our LM6000-PD gas turbines will be helping IID reach its goal to generate 50 percent of its own power," said Charles (Chip) Blankenship, general manager, GE Energy's aeroderivative business. "By installing these units, the Niland Gas Turbine Plant will have the ability to provide crucial system support during the highest demand periods especially during the summer peak."
Henryk Olstowski, assistant manager, IID Energy, added, "IID evaluated several technologies and selected the GE LM6000 because it provided the best-fit technology for IID Energy Production and based on its proven track record in California."
IID Energy is the sixth largest electrical utility in California. It serves over 130,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
GE Energy's aeroderivative division is a leading supplier of aeroderivative gas turbines and packaged generator sets for industrial and marine applications. The company provides power-generating equipment to utilities, industries and marine fleets throughout the world. It is also the world's largest and most experienced aeroderivative gas turbine service provider.
About GE Energy
GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Ga., GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.
For more information, contact:
Ashley Davis Gina DeRossi or Howard Masto GE Energy Masto Public Relations (713) 803-0371 (518) 786 6488 ashley.davis@ge.com gina.derossi@mastopr.com howard.masto@ge.com
