Arvah B. Hopkins Power Generating Station
The City of Tallahassee has been in the power generation business since
1902, when a small generating plant was built to provide power to 92 street
lamps the city bought to replace existing gas lights. A major advantage of
a publicly-owned power system is that revenues from generation and sale of
electric power can be used to pay a part of the cost of providing government
services to the community.
The Hopkins power plant burns fossil fuels (either natural gas or oil) to convert water to steam in two huge boilers. The steam is used to drive two turbines which are in turn connected to power generators. In addition, power can be produced when needed by two gas turbine generators located at the plant.
Built in 1971, the Hopkins Power Plant was expanded
to more than double its original size in 1977 with construction of a second
boiler and power generator.
The Hopkins power plant is the site of the annual "Hopkins Open House" that takes place during Public Power Week in October. Public Power Week honors the City of Tallahassee Utilities' community ownership, which results in reliable, affordable utilities for citizens and businesses. It also recognizes the economic, social, and environmental contributions of a community-owned power system.
Built and Maintained to Exist in Close Harmony With The Environment
The plant is located on 230 acres of land 7 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida on Geddie Road. The area, covered with oaks and pines, provides a haven for a variety of wildlife including birds, deer, alligators and even a community of beavers.
As fossil-fueled power plants go, the Hopkins plant is a medium sized facility, capable of generating up to 368 megawatts of power when local electricity demand requires it. The plant operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year under constant supervision of an expert team of engineers and operators who monitor the plant's efficiency and cleanliness.
Environmental Protection at the Hopkins Power Plant
Protection of Tallahassee's beautiful environment is a prime concern of the City's electric utility and the employees at the Hopkins Plant. Chemists in the plant's laboratory perform more than 40 tests on water every day, including tests for metal contaminants, mineral precipitates and acidity. In addition, a separate environmental monitoring facility provides independent oversight and verification of all environmental safeguards.