Evergy’s $4 billion Buchanan Bluffs gas plant plan set for PSC public hearings
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Evergy’s proposed $4 billion natural gas project in southeastern Buchanan County, just off U.S. 169 and Route E, would include two 710-megawatt units.
The project is under review by the Missouri Public Service Commission, with public hearings scheduled.
“St. Joseph has a real opportunity and possibility to continue to grow and attract large customers over the next decade, and as a result, putting a power plant that is close to that large load and close to a growing population and a growing economy is also very beneficial,” Evergy chief customer officer Chuck Caisley said.
One of the proposed 710-megawatt units would be dedicated to Kansas customers, while the other would serve Missouri customers through Evergy Missouri’s operations. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. home uses about 10,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
Evergy says growing demand and tighter regional reliability requirements make more power necessary. The company says the two-unit project could bring construction jobs and tax revenue too.
“Investing the $4 billion in this proposed plant at Buchanan Bluffs, that is something that would represent tax base, construction jobs, very good paying permanent jobs well into the next decade. So this would be a 40-year asset,” Caisley said.
Some nearby residents are raising concerns and questioning whether the site is suitable. Individuals have been meeting to learn more about the project and express their doubts.
“We’re concerned about the health issues, the noise issues, the light issues. All the things that might come with a facility like this,” resident Ron Hitchings told KQ2 earlier this month.
Evergy officials, including Caisley, have said they understand people have concerns about projects like this and take steps to communicate and explain the plans.
“We’ve already sent out letters to the folks immediately around the power plant asking to sit down and answer their questions and also talk about potential impacts,” Caisley said.
The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold public hearings next month. The first in-person local hearing is at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Missouri Western State University in rooms Blum 219 and 222. Virtual public hearings are set for noon and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in separate WebEx sessions. For questions or comment on WebEx, people must register by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, by calling 1-800-392-4211.
If the project is eventually approved, Caisley said it will be operational in the spring of 2032.
