Frequently Asked Questions

How will this project improve area transmission reliability?
How will the project’s impact be minimized for neighbors?
How will the project improve the region’s energy supply?
Will the project bring good jobs to the community?
Will Great River Energy pay taxes on this project?
Will this project bring a good neighbor to the community?

How will this project improve area transmission reliability? Transmission improvements associated with Cambridge Station will help improve transmission system reliability. The plant will provide substantially greater voltage stability and increase electric transmission reliability for the Cambridge, Grasston, Rush City, Athens and Princeton areas. Reliability also will be enhanced by upgrading three area 69-kV transmission lines that have dated equipment, which currently provides little protection from lightning strikes. The updated lines are designed to survive more extreme ice and wind conditions, and the design will service surrounding communities into the future. Cambridge Station is strategically located, so that interconnection to these lines easily can be accomplished.

How will the project’s impact be minimized for neighbors? Cambridge Station utilizes a clean fuel and a combustion technology that has minimal impacts to the surrounding environment. Peaking facilities have a lower environmental impact than other types of generating facilities due to their lower capacity factor. Cambridge Station is being sited to minimize the amount of gas pipeline construction, which limits the associated environmental impacts. Additionally, the project will be constructed on land already owned by Great River Energy that has an existing combustion turbine and substation.

How will the project improve the region’s energy supply? Maintaining the economic health of a region is dependent on having reliable, low-cost electricity. This project is the best alternative to provide Great River Energy¹s member cooperative, including East Central Energy of Braham, with the peaking resources to meet those needs.

Will the project bring good jobs to the community? The day-to-day operation of Cambridge Station will require two to three full-time employees. During construction of the plant, approximately 100 skilled craft workers will work at the site, most of them for about one year. The Cambridge area will benefit by the revenues generated during construction and operation of the plant.

Will Great River Energy pay taxes on this project? Cambridge Station and the associated natural gas line and transmission upgrades for the facility will generate approximately $350,000 in property taxes annually, provided the project receives a personal property tax exemption from the state. Great River Energy also will pay an annual host fee in Isanti County and will compensate local governments for any degradation to local roads or for use of government services.

Will this project bring a good neighbor to the community? We’re a good neighbor. Great River Energy partners with the communities in which we own and operate facilities. We hold ourselves to high ethical standards, and we promote trust and social and environmental responsibility. We also value open and honest communication. We take our role as a neighbor seriously. Ask those who already are our neighbors.