The Missouri Public Utility Alliance on July 22 broke ground on the Marshall Energy Center, a new natural gas-fired power plant that is part of MPUA’s “Building MO Power” initiative, a long-term strategy to advance Missouri hometowns through local energy resilience.
“The Center will generate power through natural gas and will supply 52 communities across the state, including the City of Marshall. The project is part of MPUA’s effort to provide Missouri communities with affordable, reliable, and locally supported electricity,” MPUA said.
Once operational, the Center will provide approximately 134 megawatts of capacity during the winter months and 99 megawatts in the summer.
Construction of the first phase is planned to be completed at the end of 2026, with phase two expected to be complete in 2029.
“We’re proud to take this next step in building more reliable, affordable power in Missouri,” said Steve Stodden, MPUA President & CEO. “This project reflects our commitment to improving local quality of life through hometown utilities.”
Construction will create local job opportunities within Missouri, and the project will incorporate U.S.-sourced turbines and equipment to support domestic production and infrastructure. In total, this is a $175 million investment in community infrastructure and economic development in the region, MPUA said.
MPUA represents community-owned, locally-regulated electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and broadband utilities that work together for the benefit of their customers.
MPUA is a partnership of the Missouri Electric Commission, the Missouri Gas Commission, the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities, and the MPUA Resource Services Corporation.
Each of the partners adopt a budget and have their own legal status. Thirteen members of the organizations serve on the MPUA Board of Directors and approve an integrated budget, and collectively this provides a broad array of services to all members.
