Logan Council hears options to replace retiring baseload power; solar-plus-storage and natural gas compared

Logan City leaders heard detailed modeling and three policy options March 4 as advisory board members outlined how the city could replace retiring baseload generation and meet upcoming capacity requirements tied to the Western day‑ahead market.

The presentation, led by Tyson Godfrey and Nathaniel Weidler of the city’s power advisory groups, delivered technical background on a new “day‑ahead” market and on the capacity obligations participants must bring to that market. Godfrey said the market “doesn’t want anyone showing up to the potluck without bringing their own dish,” meaning utilities must reserve resources or face penalties or forced purchases.

The presenters sketched three principal approaches: (1) invest in a locally controlled solar array plus battery storage (a 20–30 megawatt solar plant paired with about 4 hours of battery storage was modeled); (2) acquire additional firm generation via a combined‑cycle natural gas subscription (roughly 15 megawatts in the scenarios shown); or (3) rely on market purchases and third‑party capacity contracts while seeking future low‑carbon firm resources such as geothermal or small modular reactors.

Why it matters: Sunnyside and Hunter plants together represent about one‑third of Logan’s current baseload. Both plants have scheduled retirements in…