Click for larger image 

The proposed project involves adding three highly efficient General Electric LM-6000 combustion turbines at the site of the existing New Haven Harbor facility.

These turbines are the cleanest, state-of-the-art technology available to provide residents of Southwest Connecticut with power during periods of peak demand for electricity.

The new turbines will be dual-fueled and will use either natural gas or ultra low sulfur fuel oil. These are the cleanest fuels available.

The project will include state-of-the art emissions controls.  A Selective Catalytic Reduction system and water injection will be installed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 90 percent or more and a combustion catalyst will reduce carbon monoxide emissions by approximately 85 percent.

The project will meet all federal, state and local environmental and public health regulations.

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) selected PSEG’s project to fulfill a legislative mandate to add peaking capacity. The new capacity is designed to maintain system reliability, reduce the risk of blackouts, and reduce the overall cost of operating the electric system in Connecticut. The project was one of three proposals chosen by the DPUC at the conclusion of a competitive process that evaluated 10 proposals.

Peaking units can rapidly produce electricity and are most often used during periods of high demand – for example, during sweltering afternoons when air conditioners are in constant use. The GE LM-6000 turbines at New Haven will reach full output within 10 minutes of being called into service.

As peaking units, these turbines are expected to operate only during periods of peak power demand. The facility will also help improve reliability of the transmission system by quickly providing power if another plant shuts down due to mechanical difficulties or if there is a transmission line failure.

The project represents a $140 million investment in New Haven and the local and regional economy. Construction is scheduled to begin during the early summer of 2011. At the height of activity, 70 construction workers will be working on the site providing employment opportunities for local union craft workers. The peaking facility is scheduled to go into service in June 2012. When completed, the project will provide the City with more than $3 million annually in additional tax revenue.

PSEG Power Connecticut is committed to providing the state with reliable and environmentally responsible energy. The New Haven project supports these goals. 

PSEG Power Connecticut understands that you may have concerns and questions about the project. If you have questions regarding the project, contact our New Haven Peaking Project hotline number at 203-974-5085.

• Read the Environmental Justice Public Participation Plan submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection.