Harry Luff, Curt Stanton, Ted Pope.
Indian River Plant Hailed as “Marvel of Efficiency and Modern Technology” In 1960, a new generating plant was designed
reported to have been the largest single project
at the time: “Working to keep electricity your
and constructed in Brevard County along the Indian
money-wise in OUC history (OUC Today, Indian
B.E.S.T. value!”
River. Aptly named the Indian River Plant (IRP), this
River Anniversary Issue, Vol. XXI, No. 1, 1985).
oil- and gas-fired unit was more than twice the size
When IRP opened, local media hailed it as a
provided two strategic advantages: an unlimited
of the largest unit at the Lake Highland Plant.
marvel of efficiency and modern technology. With
supply of cooling water for the steam condensers
The switch connecting IRP to OUC’s electric
a nameplate rating of 78.5 MW and the capability
and water transportation for fuel oil deliveries from
system was closed for the first time at 11:53 p.m.
to produce more than 90 MW under peak load
nearby Port Canaveral.
on February 20, 1960. One thousand people
conditions, its generators would power growth in
braved bad weather to attend the dedication of
the area — producing energy at a cost of two cents
oil via Port Canaveral — occurred four years
the new plant, located halfway between Titusville
per kilowatt hour, the lowest price in the history of
later after the completion of the 205-MW Unit 2
and Cocoa. Built at a cost of $16 million, IRP was
the utility, clearly supporting OUC Today’s slogan
at IRP.
Page 19
The plant’s location along the Indian River
That milestone — the first barge delivery of