Clay News-continued

Seminole's clean coal generating unit receives state certification

The secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has signed a site certification order authorizing construction of a new clean coal generating unit at Seminole Electric’s generating station in Putnam County. Seminole Electric Cooperative provides wholesale power to Clay Electric and nine other member-owned electric distribution cooperatives in Florida.

The new 750 megawatt Unit 3 will join two 650 megawatt generating units at the northeast Florida generating station. Units 1 and 2 are in the process of significant environmental upgrades that will enable Unit 3 to be put into service with no net increase in the station's regulated emissions. Unit 3's site certification initially was denied by the state in 2007. Seminole appealed that denial. On June 13, 2008, the 5th District Court of Appeal reversed DEP, and instructed the agency to issue a certification order approving Unit 3.

A final construction schedule for Unit 3 is not yet determined.

Timothy S. Woodbury, Seminole's chief executive, said, "After many delays and appeals we are pleased to have this certification in hand, which is a significant milestone for our clean coal project."

"Clean coal generation will help us maintain a diversified energy portfolio that in turn will help keep energy affordable and available for our members," Woodbury said.