Lakeland Electric's new McIntosh Reciprocal Engine Plant, located in Lakeland, Florida, has finally come online after facing significant delays and cost overruns. The plant, equipped with six high-efficiency internal combustion engines, has the capacity to contribute 120 megawatts of power to the utility's customers. Despite the construction challenges, the plant is viewed as a valuable asset representing about 14% of Lakeland Electric's total capacity. The facility, which began construction in August 2022 and faced various setbacks including supply chain issues and a train derailment, finally completed testing and commissioning in April. Notably, the engines at the new plant can potentially be adapted to use hydrogen fuel in the future, showcasing a commitment to exploring renewable energy sources. To cover the construction overruns and costs from a previous outage, Lakeland Electric issued $70 million in municipal bonds, ensuring that customer rates remain stable. However, this increased the utility's debt ratio to 53%, nearing the 55% ceiling set to maintain a favorable rating. The utility's flagship generator, Unit 5, is currently undergoing maintenance and is crucial for Lakeland Electric's operations, expected to remain in service until at least 2032. Looking ahead, Lakeland Electric may explore options like purchasing power from other utilities or entering long-term agreements instead of investing in new power plant construction, given the uncertainties in the political and economic landscape. The completion of the McIntosh Reciprocal Engine Plant represents a positive milestone for Lakeland Electric, enhancing its power generation capabilities and contributing to a more diverse energy portfolio.