Power plant ready

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 | 11:03 a.m.

The Silverhawk Power Station, a 570-megawatt power plant at the Apex Industrial Park, became ready for commercial operation on Monday.

The plant was built by GenWest LLC, a subsidiary of Phoenix-based Pinnacle West Energy, which will operate Silverhawk. The Southern Nevada Water Authority on Monday also completed its agreement to purchase a 25 percent share in the $400 million plant.

Through that deal, the SNWA will supply 25 percent of the natural gas fuel for the plant and receive more than 100 megawatts of power. The water authority struck a deal with Nevada Power Co. to sell its peak power -- from noon to 8 p.m. -- to the Las Vegas electric company. In exchange Nevada Power will provide backup power to the SNWA. The agreement will be in effect from June 15 to Sept. 15.

Pinnacle West has offered to sell additional electricity to Nevada Power but no deal has been reached.

archive