KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aquila, Inc. (NYSE:ILA) will resume operating its South Harper Peaking Facility as a result of a Cass County Circuit Court ruling today. Last week, the Missouri Public Service Commission granted Aquila specific authority to operate the facility.
Today's ruling also dissolves a $20 million bond Aquila had posted pending its application to the Missouri Public Service Commission, and stays the court's initial January 2005 ruling. However, the court required Aquila to keep a $350,000 bond in place during an anticipated appeal of the Missouri Public Service Commission order.
"We appreciate the ability to again operate the South Harper plant, as doing so allows us to more economically and reliably meet electricity needs of Cass County, which is growing at double-digit rates," said Christopher Reitz, General Counsel for Aquila.
Aquila has provided electric service in Cass County for many years and has worked closely with the community to explain the need for and benefit of the South Harper plant, a community outreach the company will continue.
Based in Kansas City, Mo., Aquila operates electricity and natural gas distribution utilities serving 1.2 million customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. More information is available at www.aquila.com.
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