Unalaska, AK – The new power plant is officially on the grid and running.

Engine testing started in November and was completed December 10, and it resulted in intermittent power outages during that month. Training of public utilities staff was conducted Monday, and the new power plant was brought online on Friday morning. Work on the powerhouse project first began eight years ago, and Public Utilities Director Dan Winters says that he and the rest of his department had been looking forward to the moment when the new powerhouse would finally provide electricity to the city.

"It went on at 9:48 in the morning, and it's a time that will live in infamy -- in our minds anyway," says Winters. "It was pretty exhilarating to get it online."

The project cost approximately $53 million, and the city bonded for $25 million of that amount in 2008. Winters anticipates that increased business from companies with operations in Unalaska should help cover that cost. Horizon, UniSea, and Westward are all considering using more city power over the next two years.

The new plant can generate over 10 megawatts of energy. The old powerhouse could only generate 6.5 megawatts. It is currently on standby in case of an emergency.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held after the holidays.