In 1984, the Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, Apple released the Macintosh computer and Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA album was released. Locally, Indiana Michigan Power’s (I&M) Rockport Unit 1 became operational on December 10, 1984 – marking forty years of innovation and providing reliable power for customers.
Rockport has long contributed to the innovation of electricity generation technology. The plant’s Unit 2 began operation later in 1989, which contributes to the 2600 megawatts of produced generation between the two units.
Today, over 130 employees and contractors work at the Rockport Plant. To celebrate the work done over the last forty years, plant employees and retirees gathered in November for a lunch ahead of the December 10 anniversary date.
“Each of these employees, current and retired, has contributed to Rockport’s story, and it is an honor to be able to celebrate with them,” said Robert Beller, Rockport Plant Manager. “We hope this group understands the work accomplished here and, in our community, has been incredibly impactful.”
The Rockport site, located at the southern tip of Indiana, was selected for its special suitability and access to water supply, the receipt of coal through river barge and relative ease of integrating the plant into the AEP’s transmission network.
In addition to day-to-day operations, the Rockport team takes pride serving their community that’s been home for forty years. This was recently demonstrated through a pair of $10,000 donations to enhance the construction vocation programs at two local high schools. Additionally, the plant’s “Christmas Angel” program has provided children with warm winter coats, hats, gloves and toys around the holidays and a personal hygiene collection provided area military veterans with access to these necessities.
“We are grateful for our employees and contractors who have shown dedication to service during Rockport’s forty years of operation,” said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer. “Their work ethic and commitment to the community is apparent and is a testament of our organization.”