Bonin 4 Redevelopment Project
About
In 1896 the citizens of Lafayette saw the city’s potential for growth and were inspired by a simple idea: to meet the needs of a growing Lafayette through electricity. 127 years later, Lafayette Utilities Systems (LUS) continues to embody the innovative spirit that led to its creation.
LUS’s journey has been marked by unwavering leadership, driving both its proud history and ambitious future. Among these leaders is Louis J. “Doc” Bonin, whose legacy continues to inspire and guide the utility’s mission.
Louis J. “Doc” Bonin
Louis J. “Doc” Bonin was not just known for his signature starched khakis and leather bow tie, but also for his warm demeanor and kindness towards his colleagues. Starting his career in 1924 as a lineman, Bonin’s dedication and expertise led him to the role of electric distribution superintendent, a position he held until 1959.
In honor of his unwavering commitment, the Electric Generating Station was named after him. When the Bonin plant opened in 1965, it boasted three natural gas-fired steam turbines and three cooling towers, which remained operational until 2013.
About the Project
With the closure of Rodemacher Power Station 2 (RPS2) near Boyce, Louisiana, Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) is thrilled to have another opportunity to support Lafayette’s growth. LUS is constructing a new natural gas power plant at the Bonin operations center, creating a clean, local source of electricity for the Lafayette community.
This new plant will not only enhance capacity and provide more electricity for LUS customers but also enable LUS to diversify its energy portfolio, aiding a sustainable and resilient future.
Project Benefits
Cost Effective
- Maintaining a coal power plant is more expensive than creating a new power plant.
- Building the new plant will enable LUS to develop a diversified electricity supply. Combining generation at power plants and electricity purchases, allowing for better service for our customers.
Reliable
- Provides LUS with an additional local power source alongside the two currently operating plants.
- Offers reliable and dispatchable energy capacity, supporting our community with sustainable renewable energy sources.
- Prepares for future technologies and creates additional ways to meet short-term community needs.
Safe
- Creating cleaner energy by utilizing natural gas to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Adding the latest safety technologies and the ability to meet the latest emission standards for a power plant.
Environmentally Friendly
- Allowing LUS to enter into a solar power purchase agreement to utilize renewable energy.
- Enabling LUS to use cleaner energy generated from natural gas.
Views of the Bonin 4 Site
Bonin 4: Regenerating the Future
Event Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How will a new power plant benefit LUS customers?
Building this project enables LUS to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to the Lafayette community.
What would happen if we do not build this Project?
With the closure of RPS2, LUS would need to purchase energy on the market, which can lead to unpredictable and volatile electricity prices for customers.
Why not update and modernize the current RPS2 generating station?
Renovating RPS2 to meet environmental standards is significantly more expensive than building a new plant. The new facility offers LUS the chance to construct a modern, efficient power plant, further benefiting customers.
Will the Project be safe for our community?
Yes. Natural gas is a safe, clean-burning, and efficient fuel used in everyday activities like heating homes, drying clothes, and preparing food.
What measures will you take to ensure this is safe for the Lafayette community?
LUS will follow high safety standards while constructing the modern natural gas generating station. Advanced technologies will be implemented to enhance safety, in line with stricter regulations.
Will this project increase my rates?
This project is the most cost-effective option available. While utility rates are expected to rise regardless of the electricity source, LUS must invest in upgrading its current energy system.
Who is paying for this project?
LUS is responsible for the financial costs of building this power plant. The new facility’s costs will be included in the price of service to our customers.
Will there be an increase in truck traffic or dust in nearby neighborhoods during construction of the new plant?
Construction traffic will use main streets, avoiding neighborhood streets. Standard construction safeguards will be implemented to minimize dust during demolition, ensuring it remains confined to LUS property.
What are the health effects of natural gas generation?
Burning natural gas to generate electricity results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), compared to burning coal or petroleum products. The clean-burning properties of natural gas have led to its increased use for electricity generation across the United States.
How will this affect the health of people who live or work near this proposed plant?
LUS is committed to protecting the health of its employees, customers, and the community.
Will the proposed plant cause foul odors?
The plant will not produce any odors. While natural gas itself has no smell, an odorant will be added for safety purposes, like what is used in household appliances.
Will there be noise from the new power plant?
There will be some operational noise after construction, but it will meet all local, state, and federal noise requirements.
LUS held public meetings on February 26, 2024, and February 28, 2024. To view the presentation: Bonin Redevelopment Project Update
If you have any further questions or comments, you can email us at boninproject@lus.org.