100 years of power. 100 years of people.

For the past 100 years, the Montville Power Station has been providing power to communities and the people of Connecticut. When Sandi Dodge walked through the doors on August 23rd, 1999, she joined a team of 60 employees to work as the Office Coordinator. To this day, she believes the team’s continued dedication and commitment are key to ensuring the plant operates safely and reliably. 

On September 14th, 2019, past and present employees of the generating station gathered together to celebrate the station’s 100th anniversary — an opportunity that few facilities are able to experience.

 “We started talking about a 100-year celebration, and everyone got really excited about it. We decided to invite retirees and all the folks who helped support Montville over the years,” said Bill Metzger, Montville Station plant manager.

The birth of Montville Power Station dates to 1919 when a need for better electric service for trolley cars developed in Eastern Connecticut during World War I. To meet that need, and to serve thousands of homes in the area as well, construction of the station began on a 36-acre site in Uncasville, CT along the Thames River.

Fast forward 80 years later, and NRG acquired the station from Northeast Utilities in December of 1999 when the electric market was deregulated. Since then, Montville has expanded to a 49-acre facility with four units in active service, which are either dual-fuel (gas or oil), oil-fueled, or diesel-fueled generators. 

The total station capacity, 498 megawatts, is enough to meet the combined electrical loads of approximately 500,000 homes. Montville Station supplies power to the Independent System Operator – New England (ISO NE). Being in the Northeast, the region can experience harsh winter weather conditions, so the plant also plays a tremendous role in helping keep the power grid stable during peak times.

The anniversary celebration, attended by over 150 people, was held at the station where guests enjoyed food, music, entertainment and games. More importantly, it gave employees — current and retired — a chance to reminisce and reconnect with the community that has kept this great plant running. 

“The celebration was like a family reunion, and the whole focus of the event was on the people,” said Bill Metzger.

Montville Power Station has been an essential part of Montville’s economy for one hundred years, and it holds a special place in the hearts of so many. 

“Every single person here is unbelievable. I'm so blessed and honored to be part of the Montville team,” said Sandi Dodge.