Press Release

Benefits of Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station Celebrated

Plant Owner Announces College Scholarship Program for Local Students

SMITHTON, Pennsylvania – A dedication celebration Wednesday for Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station highlighted the economic benefits the natural gas-fueled power plant near Smithton has brought to the area over almost three years of construction and now during operation.

“One of Pennsylvania’s strengths is our abundant and diverse energy portfolio. This project is yet another great example of how Pennsylvania’s natural gas resources can be used within our borders to attract investment and bring additional family-sustaining jobs to the commonwealth,” said Denise Brinley, executive director of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of Energy.

Brinley was among more than 100 elected officials, community leaders, company executives and employees gathered at the plant for the event. Attendees also included state Sens. Pat Stefano and Kim Ward.

“Local relationships have been critical to Tenaska Westmoreland,” said Jerry Crouse, CEO and vice chairman of Tenaska, an energy company based in Omaha, Nebraska, that developed the power project. “From the beginning, elected officials and community leaders have been open-minded and careful in their assessment of what this power plant brings to the area in the form of jobs, contractor opportunities and tax revenue.

“They have taken us at our word that we intend to continue to be a good neighbor – and that’s a commitment that we take seriously.”

Construction Created Jobs, Contractor Opportunities

Construction of Tenaska Westmoreland, which began in 2016, created significant benefits for the regional economy. In addition to 650 jobs during peak construction, the project contracted with more than 100 regional businesses.

A relationship with Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC), which supplies water to the plant, has resulted in upgrades and enhancements to the MAWC system that benefit both Tenaska Westmoreland and the local community. As part of construction of the 13-mile water supply line to the plant, 40 new fire hydrants were installed, providing local access points for fire authorities.

Tenaska Westmoreland was honored earlier this year by the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania as Industrial Project of the Year. In 2018, it was honored by Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County for its contributions to the region.

Commercial operation of the plant began in December. At 940 megawatts (MW), the plant can generate enough power for about 940,000 homes in the PJM Interconnection market, which coordinates the delivery of reliable power in all or parts of 13 eastern states, including Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

Owner Announces College Scholarship Program

Tenaska Westmoreland is owned by Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners, LLC, which is comprised of affiliates of Tenaska, Diamond Generating Corporation (DGC) and J-POWER USA Investment Co., Ltd.

“Tenaska Westmoreland is a valuable generating asset for the region, providing reliable electricity to the PJM market while utilizing natural gas from the rich Marcellus formation,” said DGC President Hiromasa Ihara.

Mark Condon, president and CEO of J-POWER USA, added: “We are pleased that the strategic location of this plant has been an economic driver for Westmoreland County and the region at large.”

As part of the dedication festivities, the ownership group announced a college scholarship program that would award a total of $6,000 each year to seniors graduating from Belle Vernon Area High School and Yough Senior High School. Some money would be earmarked for students planning to attend Westmoreland County Community College or Triangle Tech Greensburg. The first scholarships will be awarded in spring 2020.

Plant Strives to be Good Business Neighbor

Tenaska Operations, Inc. operates Tenaska Westmoreland with a team of 24 employees, 75 percent of which came from Westmoreland or adjacent counties. The current Tenaska operating fleet includes 11 natural gas-fueled and renewable power plants able to generate approximately 8,000 MW combined. These plants are known for being safe and reliable and for being good business neighbors in their communities.

Tenaska Westmoreland supports education programs at area schools, including participation in science programs, sponsorship of robotics, LEGOS and coding programs, and donations of school supplies. Other local efforts supported by the plant include supplies for 2018 flood relief, new U.S. flags for Smithton Borough, holiday items for area children in need and canned goods for the local food bank, among others.

In addition to power generation, Tenaska and its affiliates are industry leaders in natural gas and electric power marketing. Tenaska Marketing Ventures is among the top five largest natural gas marketers in North America and is the top-ranked natural gas pipeline capacity trader. Tenaska Power Services Co. is the leading provider of energy management services to generation and demand-side customers in the U.S., with more third party-owned generation under management than any other provider. Both companies are providing services to Tenaska Westmoreland.

About Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners, LLC
Tenaska, an energy company based in Omaha, Nebraska, formed Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners, LLC (TPP) to build, own and operate the Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station. Today, TPP is comprised of affiliates of Tenaska, Diamond Generating Corporation and J-POWER USA Investment, Co., Ltd. An affiliate of Tenaska serves as the managing partner.

About Tenaska
Tenaska, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the leading independent energy companies in the United States. Forbes magazine consistently ranks Tenaska among the 50 largest private U.S. companies. Gross operating revenues were approximately $12 billion in 2018.

Tenaska has developed more than 10,000 megawatts (MW) of natural gas-fueled and renewable power projects. Tenaska and its affiliates have managed the acquisition of approximately 10,750 MW of energy assets. The current Tenaska operating fleet includes 11 natural gas-fueled and renewable power plants able to generate approximately 8,000 MW combined.

Tenaska affiliates are industry leaders in natural gas and electric power marketing. Tenaska Marketing Ventures (TMV) is among the top five largest natural gas marketers in North America and is the top-ranked natural gas pipeline capacity trader. During 2018, TMV sold or managed 10.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per day. Tenaska Power Services Co. is the leading provider of energy management services to generation and demand-side customers in the U.S., with more third party-owned generation under management than any other provider.

For more information, visit www.tenaska.com.

About Diamond Generating Corporation
Diamond Generating Corporation (DGC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses together with its offices and subsidiaries in approximately 90 countries and regions worldwide. DGC is a developer, owner and operator of privately owned power generating assets in the United States and Mexico. It currently has ownership interest in 10 operating power generating facilities in the U.S. and three facilities in Mexico, having total output capacity of approximately 7,750 MW, with net equity of 3,400 MW. For more information, visit www.dgc-us.com.

About J-POWER USA
J-POWER USA Investment Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. with headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan. J-POWER USA, is headquartered in the greater Chicago area and has a long-term strategy to acquire, develop, finance and operate power generation facilities in North America through its team of power professionals with a proven track record of successfully developing and acquiring power projects in the IPP sector. J-POWER USA has ownership interest in 11 operating facilities and one facility under construction with 6,500 MW of power generation capacity and participates in several of the most competitive power markets in the country. More information about J-POWER USA can be found at jpowerusa.com.