Officials of the Intermountain Power Service Corp. plan to reduce the power plant's work force by offering employees retirement incentives. IPSC operates the Intermountain Power Plant near Delta.
Officials announced employees with five years of service and age 55 or over are eligible for retirement under the new program. "We hope to accomplish the reductions through voluntary acceptance of a one-time retirement enhancement program and severance plan," said S. Gale Chapman, plant manager.He said the reduction will allow the firm to remain competitive in an open supplier market, noting it is the result of deregulation of the power industry.
Millard County officials say there isn't a threat of the plant closing but the County Commission and area business owners are concerned. Commission Chairman Tony Dearden said an economic loss to the county is expected because of the reduction.
Business revenue will be adversely affected and will be even more serious if additional layoffs are forthcoming. Chapman said the 10 percent reduction in the staff will leave the corporation with a minimum number of personnel needed to accomplish the work, however.
Concern was also voiced by Evan Maxfield, president of the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, who also suggested more emphasis be placed on recruiting new businesses to the area.
Chapman reported the corporation has 554 employees in Utah, located in Delta and Springville.
It was noted that deregulated open access to retail power customers will be available as of January 1, 1998. Chapman foresees con-tin-ued power generation at the Intermountain Power Plant along with transmission facilities.
Officials say IPP will continue as a viable power producer. Most of the power generated at IPP is used in California.