Coal-to-wood suggestion made for power

JASPER – A southern Indiana city is considering whether to convert its municipal power plant so that it could burn waste wood instead of coal.

Jasper city officials said the plant has been shut down for all but a few weeks this year because low electricity prices have made it too expensive to operate.

Doug Tischbein of Newburgh, Ind.-based Energy Systems Group told city officials the conversion project could cost $11 million. He estimated the city could see a profit even after it pays about $1 million annually as part of a 20-year lease deal.

Jasper Mayor Bill Schmitt said the idea is a great opportunity considering the growing demand for green energy.

A city committee will consider whether to move ahead by talking with other companies.