November 2024 Update

OPPD’s Standing Bear Lake Station is beginning to move from construction into the commissioning stage in preparation for operation. As activities increase, neighbors may notice more traffic entering the site, located just off Military Road.

A major milestone for the plant will take place soon with what’s known as “first fire.” During first fire, an engine is brought up to operational speed, essentially becoming capable of generating electricity. Close neighbors or passersby may see some visible black smoke coming out of the stack exhaust at the plant during this time. As the generating units are tested and tuned, exhaust will become much less noticeable.

This process is very fluid, and dates of testing can fluctuate. First fire may begin as early as Dec. 2. Once started, we estimate it may take approximately one week to start each of the nine engines on fuel oil. The process will be done with fuel oil first. It will then need to be repeated with natural gas. The testing of all engines on both fuel sources should take about six to seven weeks. This dual-fueled plant is expected to be substantially complete and ready to generate electricity in January 2025.