BWL to Host REO 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) will open its doors tomorrow for self-guided tours inside the REO Cogeneration Plant and Depot to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of BWL operations in the neighborhood.
WHERE: BWL Headquarters & Cogeneration Plant
1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
WHEN: Saturday, July 29, 10am-2pm
The event will bring fun for the entire family, including a Touch a Truck display with equipment BWL crews use every day. Fun giveaways, free food and a new BWL-themed ice cream flavor will be provided while supplies last. BWL Human Resources representatives will also be in attendance promoting the benefits of a career at BWL, alongside the BWL’s Hometown Energy Savers to learn more about how to reduce energy consumption and save money on electric bills.
Visitors will also be able to see inside the over 100-year-old REO Town Depot, which was restored and reopened in 2013. This beautiful facility, previously known as the historic Grand Trunk Western Railroad depot, is on the U.S. and Michigan Register of Historic Sites. Everything from the interior woodwork and vaulted ceilings to the terra cotta roof tiles were refurbished or replaced.
“This $182 million project was the first gas-fired plant and first power plant built by BWL in 40-years. I’m proud of how the REO Headquarters and Cogeneration Plant significantly contributed to the redevelopment of the REO Town neighborhood by bringing nearly 200 workers to the area,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley, who served as the project manager. “At the time of going operational, this plant was hailed as the cleanest and most efficient in the country.”
Last week, the BWL announced its plan to build over 650 megawatts (MW) of clean energy projects to support its clean energy goals and meet future regional load growth. This will continue to position BWL as a leader in the State of Michigan as a clean energy provider, and provides a path to carbon neutrality by 2040.
For more information, go to www.lbwl.com/REO10.