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MIDA says Stratus will generate its own power; commissioners press on natural gas and backup options
Summary
MIDA told the commission the Stratus campus is designed for on‑site power generation — reducing demands on local utilities — but commissioners asked why natural gas is favored, whether battery backups would be used, and how pipeline capacity would affect local contracts.
MIDA representatives told commissioners the Stratus campus would generate its own energy on‑site to avoid drawing additional capacity from the local grid. Hillary Venable said the intent is to operate independently so the development "will not rely on the existing grid" and that it could sell back power only if there were an abundance.
Commissioners questioned why natural gas was central to the plan rather than solar or other forms. Austin Pritchett explained that large users and capital providers prefer natural gas today because it is a reliable fuel source and because the Ruby pipeline provides nearby capacity. He said portions of the pipeline capacity were unused and that the project could make that asset a local benefit; he also discussed possibilities for batteries or on‑site fuel reserves as backup but said final designs were not complete.
Commissioners voiced anxiety about local gas prices and whether use of pipeline capacity could drive up costs for residents; MIDA responded that the capacity targeted for the project is currently unused and would not affect existing contracts, but asked that the county review the technical documents for verification.
