As part of its ongoing review process for the Kemper County energy facility project, Mississippi Power filed updated assumptions to both cost and schedule in its monthly construction report to the Mississippi Public Service Commission.

    The company confirmed Friday that the project is on schedule to be completed in May 2014 and that cost projections remain on target to stay at or below $2.88 billion. All long-term contracts for sale of byproducts in the gasification process have been finalized, according to a news release, which Mississippi Power believes will produce more customer value than originally projected when the plant was certified.

    “With engineering and procurement nearing completion, construction progressing on schedule and key startup milestones approaching quickly, Mississippi Power’s projections are that cost and schedule targets are achievable,” said Tommy Anderson, vice president of generation development for Mississippi Power. “As the project enters the peak construction phase, completion of design and on-time delivery of plant components is critical to ensuring the project remains on schedule and construction crews are working as efficiently as possible.”

    Mississippi Power reports nearly 12,000 direct and indirect jobs are being created during construction and more than 1,000 direct and indirect permanent positions will be needed once the facility opens. About 270 Mississippi companies have a significant role in the construction of the project.