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Company presents plan for natural‑gas peaking plant near Bellmore
Summary
A Chesco Energy representative presented a proposal for a simple‑cycle (peaking) natural‑gas power plant sited northeast of Bellmore, saying the project would occupy roughly 30 acres of a 100‑acre parcel near major pipelines and a 230 kV transmission line and could deliver about 100 construction jobs and 6–10 permanent positions if it wins competitive utility procurement.
A representative for Chesco Energy described a proposed natural‑gas, simple‑cycle (peaking) power plant sited roughly 3–4 miles northeast of Bellmore, near Raccoon Lake and Collinsburg, and said the location takes advantage of two gas pipelines and a nearby Duke Energy 230 kV transmission line.
The presenter, identified in the meeting as a Chesco Energy representative, told the Parke County Commissioners the company is proposing a plant with roughly a 30‑acre footprint on an approximately 100‑acre parcel and estimated “a roughly a $300,000,000 scale investment” if the project proceeds. He described the facility as a peaking plant, saying it would operate “somewhere in the thousand to 2,000 hour time frame” to meet demand spikes rather than provide continuous base load.
Chesco said it expects about 100 construction jobs on site and roughly 6–10 permanent operations positions if the project is built. The representative emphasized that the company would sell power to local utilities through competitive procurements and that the project would only proceed if it secures an award through those processes: “The only way this project goes forward is if it becomes…competitive and wins a competitive award,” the presenter said.
Company staff highlighted local outreach and mitigation commitments they have used on other projects, including “host community agreements” and support for emergency responders. The presenter said Chesco had met with Park REMC and received contacts for Wabash Valley, and that necessary road improvements for construction would be paid by the project.
Commissioners asked about distances to proposed substation and plant components, and the presenter said transmission and pipeline access made the site suitable. Commissioners also pressed on local fiscal impacts; the Chair noted a project of this scale could increase assessed valuation and local revenue. The presenter suggested the county could explore tax‑structure options (for example, a traditional property tax approach or alternatives) and said the company was open to guidance on local incentives.
The presentation concluded with an offer from Chesco to make documentation available for inspection at identified project addresses and invited county staff and commissioners to visit comparable sites the company has developed.
Next steps: no permit or formal county action was taken at the meeting; the presentation was informational and company representatives left contact information for follow up.
