• Year built - 1971
• Primary fuel used - Natural gas
• Power capacity - 504 MW (megawatts)
• Located - 7 miles west of Tallahassee

The Hopkins power plant burns fossil fuels (either natural gas or oil) to convert water to steam in two huge boilers. The steam is used to drive two turbines which are in turn connected to power generators. In addition, power can be produced when needed by two gas turbine generators located at the plant.

The plant is located on 230 acres of land 7 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida on Geddie Road. The area, covered with oaks and pines, provides a haven for a variety of wildlife including birds, deer, alligators and even a community of beavers.

Built in 1971, the Hopkins power plant was expanded to more than double its original size in 1977 with construction of a second boiler and power generator. The City has converted the Hopkins Unit 2 conventional steam-generating unit to a more efficient and economical combined cycle system under the Hopkins Unit 2 Repowering Project.

As fossil-fueled power plants go, the Hopkins power plant is a medium sized facility, capable of generating up to 504 megawatts of power when local electricity demand requires it. The plant operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year under constant supervision of an expert team of engineers and operators who monitor the plant's efficiency and cleanliness.

Protection of Tallahassee's beautiful environment is a prime concern of the City's electric utility and the employees at the Hopkins power plant. Chemists in the plant's laboratory perform more than 40 tests on water every day, including tests for metal contaminants, mineral precipitates and acidity. In addition, a separate environmental monitoring facility provides independent oversight and verification of all environmental safeguards.