A powerful new source of reliable electricity will soon serve customers. Horseshoe Lake Unit 11 passed all contractual performance tests on Aug. 31 and is expected to enter commercial service next month-six months earlier than originally planned.
Unit 11 is the first of two new simple-cycle combustion turbine units being added at OG&E's Horseshoe Lake Power Plant. Together, Units 11 and 12 will provide approximately 448 megawatts of generation capacity-enough to power about 300,000 homes-and replace two less-efficient units that have reliably served our customers for 60 years and must be replaced.
"Completing Unit 11 ahead of schedule and under budget reflects our team's commitment to safety, operational execution and dedication to our customers," said Sean Trauschke, chairman, president and chief executive officer at OG&E. "Horseshoe Lake Unit 11 adds flexible generation that can respond quickly when customers need it most while helping us continue to deliver reliable electricity and keep bills as low as possible. Unit 12 is in the final stage of completion and will also be completed early and under budget."
While completing its performance tests, Unit 11 operated on many of the summer's hottest days, providing low-cost power to help meet the needs of OG&E customers. Once in commercial service, the unit will provide much needed low-cost, reliable power for the winter, which was not contemplated in the original schedule.
OG&E's Horseshoe Lake Power Plant has served customers for more than 100 years. These new units continue that legacy of service while delivering increased capacity, improved efficiency and greater operational flexibility.
Unit 12 is also expected to enter commercial operation in October. Once both units are operating, they will support the regional grid and help OG&E meet customers' current and future energy needs. Both units will be celebrated at a ceremonial ribbon cutting in November.