Ephraim City also generating power with its natural gas-fired power plant

EPHRAIM—Ephraim has been generating a significant share of its electricity at its hydropower plants for more than 100 years.

Generating its own power rather than purchasing power from outside sources has helped the city hold down power rates.

But since July 21, the city has also been generating power at its own natural gas-fired power plant, located in the refurbished Power Department Building just behind the city library.

Planning, adapting the building, installing equipment and arranging financing took about two years. The plant and new natural gas-powered generated will cost more than $8 million. But the city will save many times that amount by being able to generate power on its own, rather than tapping into national electric grid.

Cory Daniels, director of the Power Department, says the schedule for running the plant depends on the market price of power. But since July 21, his crew has been running the plant on most weekdays, generally from 2-8 p.m., “just to help with peak loads.”

Bryan Kimball, director of community development, says of the plant, “It’s already saving us money.”