Another expansion of an electric-generation plant could power job growth in Richmond County in the next couple of years.

The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation is seeking regulatory blessing to upgrade its Hamlet generation plant in the spring of 2012.

Another Richmond County utility provider, Progress Energy, is expanding its power facility off Airport Road. The addition is expected to be running in early 2011, when the entire facility will produce almost 2,000 megawatts. The addition is expected to add $700 million to the tax rolls.

The newest plant is proposed by the EMC and is located next door to the Progress site where the EMC already has generation facilities.

“This is in response to increased demand, and greater needs from members of the electric cooperative,” NCEMC Director of Corporate Communications Jane Pritchard said Wednesday.

The existing $150 million facility began operation December of 2007. It produces energy for “peak times,” or times when the regular generation load can’t meet the demand.

It is powered by natural gas and doesn’t operate 365 days a year like coal-fired and nuclear plants.

A similar plant is owned by the same company in Anson County.

Pritchard explained a request has been filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.

“If this request is accepted, it would be the first step in a lengthy process we would have to go through to get all the appropriate permits,” Pritchard said, explaining the tentative 2012 start date for the project.

Pee Dee Electric Membership Cooperative Director of Marketing Bruce Simmons explained that while few jobs are required for the day-to-day operation of this type of facility, it brings in revenue for the county in the form of property taxes.

“This would be a good thing for Richmond County,” Simmons said. “It would increase our tax base, and bring in revenue through water sales to the plant. It’s a win-win situation for the county, if the state allows them to do it.”

County Manager Rick Sago also voiced his support for the proposal.

“We are very happy that NCEMC has decided to upgrade their facility in Richmond County,” Sago said. “The county commissioners’ willingness to invest in our water system continues to pay off. Without access to additional water, this expansion would not have been possible.”

The EMC facility in Hamlet is powered by five combustion engines, which are capable of producing 282 megawatts.

The request to the Utilities Commission calls for an additional unit that would add 56 megawatts to those capabilities.

Staff Writer Philip D. Brown can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 32, or by e-mail at pbrown@yourdailyjournal.com.