Oak Creek Expansion  

1. When did construction of the Oak Creek facility begin?
   Construction began June 29, 2005.
   
   
2. Are existing units being shut down?
   While units 1-4, all built during the 1950's, were retired in the late 1980's, units 5 through 8 came on line in 1959, 1961, 1965, and 1967. These units still have substantial useful life, and with continuously improving pollution control technology, they can run for many more years.
   
   
3. How many coal trains will be needed?
   Train traffic will increase from five 125-car trains per week to approximately nine 135-car trains per week.
   
   
4. If natural gas will be used at Port Washington, why not Oak Creek?
   The Port Washington Power Plant is designed to provide intermediate rather than baseload electric generation. For intermediate power generation and peak power generation we will rely on natural gas. Intermediate power is that power that is needed, generally during weekdays, during the day, when the load exceeds baseload generation. Given the plant's close proximity to homes and businesses and the fact that We Energies determined the plant would be used for intermediate rather than baseload electric generation, natural gas was the appropriate choice.
   
   Oak Creek is a baseload plant requiring operation capability of 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
   
   In addition, Port Washington has neither the infrastructure nor the “footprint” necessary to support a larger, coal-based plant. (Footprint refers to the amount of physical space available at the site.) Port Washington's downtown location does not allow room for expansion while Oak Creek's location away from dense commercial or residential areas will allow expansion.
   
   
5. Who pays for damage due to construction?
   Damage during construction will be handled as we do now, for damage caused by a We Energies employee. Those who feel they have a claim can contact either the Oak Creek Plant management or We Energies headquarters directly.
   
   
6. Who do I contact for a job related to the construction of the Oak Creek expansion?

   Labor Positions
   In 2001, We Power and the Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council signed a Project Labor Agreement to promote efficient construction without delays, provide for settlement of labor disputes without strikes or work stoppages, establish uniform and standard working conditions and establish and maintain harmonious relations among the parties to the agreement. We Power has contracted with Bechtel Power Corporation for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services of the Oak Creek expansion. As the contractor, Bechtel Power Corporation is signatory to the Project Labor Agreement.
   
   Pursuant to the Project Labor Agreement, all Labor position applications must be submitted to the appropriate union hall. For more information, please click here.

   Management Positions
   In addition to the labor positions, a limited number of salaried administrative and professional positions are expected to be filled at the Oak Creek expansion site. To be considered for these positions as they become available, please send your resume to elmrdres@bechtel.com or mail it to the following address:
   
   Bechtel Power Corporation
   11050 S. Chicago Road
   Oak Creek WI 53154
   Attn: Penney Sommers