IID set for repowering project at El Centro Generating Station to meet future energy needs

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) - The Imperial Irrigation District just approved a major repowering project to upgrade its electrical system.

Equipment dating back to 1968 will be replaced with new generators, increasing energy production and efficiency.

IID says it's important to take action to create a more reliable electrical grid for the future.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $235 million, and it's expected to generate an annual investment return of $12 million.

So what will this mean for IID customers?

IID spokesman Robert Schettler says, "When you need electricity, when you need that light to go on, when you need the air-conditioning, we're there to provide that service. And it's going to take some more resiliency in our system and more generating options. So yes it's going to come at a cost but we have to think of the benefits that this provides."

News Channel 3's Peter Daut spoke with Schettler on how the project will power the District forward.

The project is expected to be completed in about three years.