INDIANAPOLIS -- Citizens Energy Group has completed the removal of a longstanding coal conveyor over West Street at its downtown thermal facility, marking the end for a piece of infrastructure that has been part of the Indianapolis skyline for more than 80 years.
Photos from before and during the final conveyor removal (in early June) are included in this release.
The overhead conveyor, which spanned West Street near the Perry K steam plant, was originally installed in the mid-1940s to transport coal after it was unloaded from rail cars into the plant as fuel for the facility. The Perry K facility itself was constructed in the late 19th century by the Indianapolis Light and Power Company to support street and commercial lighting, but it was converted to provide steam for a district heating system in 1905. In November 2000, Citizens acquired Perry K; in 2014, the facility was transitioned from coal to cleaner burning natural gas as a source of fuel for the boilers.
“The conveyor was a visible part of the downtown industrial landscape, and this project represents both progress and pride in our history,” said J.P. Ghio, Vice President of Energy Operations at Citizens Energy Group. “The coal conveyor served an important purpose for decades, but as our operations have evolved, it was time for this legacy infrastructure to come down. Its removal reflects our continued investment in the Perry K steam plant providing safe and reliable energy solutions our customers count on every day.”
The Citizens Perry K steam facility—located near the intersection of West Street and Kentucky Avenue—continues to serve a critical role within one of the largest district energy systems in the United States. Citizens Thermal provides steam for heat, manufacturing, sterilization and hot water to more than 200 commercial buildings and industries across downtown Indianapolis, including the IU Indianapolis campus and the Indiana Convention Center. Perry K's steam also helps drive equipment for the chilled water system which cools more than 60 large facilities, including Lucas Oil Stadium.
Several new Citizens Thermal customers are now experiencing the sustainable benefits of a district energy system. The new Signia by Hilton hotel and the adjacent PanAm Tower are newly receiving thermal utility service as well as the Pembroke Place residential building at 130 E Washington Street. Construction for steam and chilled water service to the upcoming James T. Morris Arena on the IU Indy campus is also currently in progress, with connections anticipated by July.
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About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Ben Easley
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com