Competitive Power Ventures Holdings LLC and GE Energy Financial Services achieved commercial operation at the 805-MW gas-fired Towantic Energy Center in Oxford, Conn.

The combined-cycle facility sells its output and ancillary services into the ISO New England market, powering more than 800,000 homes and businesses. The plant is near the Algonquin Interstate natural gas pipeline and is interconnected with Eversource Energy subsidiary Connecticut Light and Power Co.'s 115-kV circuit between Baldwin Junction and Beacon Falls.

Gemma Power Systems provided engineering, procurement and construction services for the facility. The project, managed by Competitive Power Ventures Inc., is being operated by NAES Corp., according to a June 14 news release.

"Achieving commercial operation means that we will improve the reliability of the regional electric system, reduce energy cost and continue the modernization of North America's power grid," Competitive Power Ventures CEO Gary Lambert said.