The plant will, in part, provide power to the company's wholesale customers through long-term contracts with two North Carolina power companies: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) and North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1).

The power plant, owned and operated by Southern Power, will consist of four Siemens F Class gas turbine units and will be able to generate approximately 720MW at the summer peak. The units will be built on a portion of the 275-acre site, leaving the potential for future expansion. Commercial operation of all four units is expected in early 2012.

Ronnie Bates, president of Southern Power, said: "This project will serve the growing electricity needs in this region for many years. Through our focus on efficient operations, Southern Power has a proven track record of providing reliable, competitively priced energy to our customers throughout the Southeast.

"We look forward to being an integral part of the community and working with NCEMC and NCMPA1 in helping meet their energy needs in a cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner."

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.