State Approves Minnesota Power's Emission Reduction Plan.DULUTH, Minn. -- The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is the consumer protection agency in the U.S. state of Minnesota charged with the regulation of public utilities such as electric and telephone service. Its commissioners are appointed by the governor. (MPUC MPUC Maine Public Utilities Commission MPUC Minnesota Public Utilities Commission MPUC Mission Planning Users Conference ) has issued an Order approving Minnesota Power's $60 million voluntary emission reduction initiative. The Arrowhead Regional Emission Abatement Plan (AREA) is Minnesota Power's near-term effort to significantly reduce emissions from two of its energy generation facilities: the 225-megawatt Taconite taconite, low-grade iron ore, a flintlike rock usually containing less than 30% iron. Resistant to drilling and to the extraction of its contained metal, the rock was long considered worthless. Experiments begun in 1912 by the American scientist Edward W. Harbor Energy Center, located in Schroeder; and the 110-megawatt Laskin Energy Center, located in Hoyt Lakes. Work will begin upon receipt of construction permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency MPCA Motion Picture Corporation of America MPCA Michigan Primary Care Association MPCA Metal Programmable Cell Array MPCA Missouri Primary Care Association MPCA Midwest Popular Culture Association ), expected to be issued later this year. "We are pleased with state agency responsiveness to and endorsement of this first major step in Minnesota Power's latest emission reduction strategy," said Don Shippar, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of ALLETE. "The ability to propose and receive approval for implementation of our plans, along with current cost recovery for these emission reduction investments, certainly supports our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship The integration and application of environmental values into the military mission in order to sustain readiness, improve quality of life, strengthen civil relations, and preserve valuable natural resources. while we provide reliable, competitive electric power to our customers." The MPUC Order ratifying the AREA Plan, which was originally filed with regulators in October 2005, follows a previous review and endorsement of the proposed emission reduction effort by the MPCA. Upon completion of AREA, Minnesota Power estimates a reduction of over 60% for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) at both facilities and a 65% reduction in sulfur dioxide sulfur dioxide, chemical compound, SO2, a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is readily soluble in cold water, sparingly soluble in hot water, and soluble in alcohol, acetic acid, and sulfuric acid. (SO2) at Taconite Harbor. Laskin Energy Center already has relatively low emission levels of sulfur dioxide due to existing emission reduction technology. Additionally, with the emerging technology being applied at Taconite Harbor, there is the potential for as much as a 90% reduction in mercury emissions. Minnesota Power currently operates its units at 70% below existing emission requirements. The MPUC Order endorsing AREA allows Minnesota Power to recover approved costs for the Plan from customers without a rate proceeding. Minnesota Power provides electricity in a 26,000-square-mile electric service territory located in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power supplies retail electric service to 135,000 retail customers, wholesale electric service to 16 municipalities, and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . More information can be found at: www.mnpower.com. The statements contained in this release and statements that Minnesota Power or ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
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