Dive Summary:

• Expecting customer growth and the replacement of expiring purchased-power agreements, Tampa Electric is going to need additional power in five years, thus necessitating the need for an expansion of its Polk Power Station.
• The utility reviewed competitive bids, but ultimately determined that self-building was the best and most cost-effective way to address its future power needs.
• If approved, the Polk plant will be expanded by about 460 MW and would create 500 local jobs.

From the article:

Tampa Electric decided to expand the Polk Power Station to meet the company’s power needs for 2017, as outlined in its request for proposals in March 2012.

To accommodate customer growth and to replace purchased-power agreements due to expire, Tampa Electric will need additional power in five years. After reviewing several competitive bids, Tampa Electric determined that the self-build option is the best and most cost-effective way to address those needs. ...