The Dayton Power and Light Company Tests Biofuel as Alternative Fuel Source

DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its effort to diversify its generation fuel mix, The Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L) has initiated a program to test alternative fuels at its power plants. Recently, DP&L has been testing the use of biofuels at its Killen Electric Generating Station on the Ohio River in Manchester, Ohio. Biofuels can reduce emissions and provide new renewable energy from existing coal-burning power plants while creating potential new markets for local farmers and other biofuel producers.

The first biofuel tested by DP&L was a pellet composed of scrap wood and switch grass. DP&L blended the pellets with coal and conducted EPA-approved test burns in the Killen boiler. Different ratios of biofuel to coal, and biofuels with differing composition, are being tested to determine the best blend for use in the existing boiler.

Midwestern Biofuels in South Shore, Ky., supplied the pellets, which were made from waste wood and grasses harvested in Ohio and Kentucky. DP&L is evaluating incorporating biofuels into its generation fuel mix as one option to meet the renewable energy requirements outlined in recently passed legislation, which calls for the use of 12.5% renewable resources by 2025.

These biofuel tests are part of DP&L’s commitment to the environment. Other recent and ongoing initiatives include the company’s prairie grass project and the installation of a solar array.

About DPL

DPL Inc. (NYSE:DPL) is a regional energy company. DPL was named one of Forbes’ “100 Most Trustworthy Companies” in 2009.

DPL’s principal subsidiaries include The Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L); DPL Energy, LLC (DPLE); and DPL Energy Resources, Inc. (DPLER). DP&L, a regulated electric utility, provides service to over 500,000 retail customers in West Central Ohio; DPLE engages in the operation of merchant peaking generation facilities; and DPLER is a competitive retail electric supplier in Ohio, selling to major industrial and commercial customers. DPL, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates approximately 3,700 megawatts of generation capacity, of which 2,800 megawatts are low cost coal-fired units and 900 megawatts are natural gas and diesel peaking units. Further information can be found at www.dplinc.com.