None of the Southern Poland Power Company plants is an independent organism operating irrespective of the place if its business. Their closest surroundings are usually cities within the limits of they operate and which their employees live in.

Basing on two examples we decided to learn more about the power plant – city relationship. The choice of the cities was not done randomly. These are the places where the Company carried out its two biggest investments last year. We asked both Radoslaw Baran – the City of Bedzin Mayor and Pawel Silbert – the City of Jaworzno Mayor – what kind of influence our Company has on the city, its development and future. What sort of problems do cities come across when they have such big units within their limits?

Bedzin gained a construction being the sign of the 21^st century

Radoslaw Baran – the City of Bedzin

Realization of the investment as significant as the erection of the new 460MW power block brings about inconveniences for the citizens. Fortunately, the Bedzin dwellers and especially those living in Lagisza district were aware of the fact that the carried out investment will modernize the power plant improving it impact on the environment.

Connecting block no 5 to the existing fumes desulphurising installation in blocks 6 and 7 will support the power plant competitiveness on the market and facilitate the company stability which for dozens of years has been the working place for the region inhabitants. Many families in Bedzin have bonded their lives with Lagisza Power Plant. In the past the city enjoyed direct benefits and profits from this kind of investments thanks to attendant enterprises. Nowadays the city does not have such direct profits. The municipality, however, was responsible for the rebilleting of the citizens living in the building within the area of the power block. Thanks to a very good cooperation with Lagisza Power Plant the project was carried out smoothly and without conflicts. Currently, when the investment is approaching its completion, guests coming to our city traveling down the Warsaw – Katowice route instantly associate our city with the plant adding that this is the location of the biggest cooling tower in Poland. Therefore, apart from the 14^th century castle, Bedzin gained the second characteristic building – the sign of the 21^st century.

It is truly our intention to make sure such a company is developing and thriving on the market. What we need is stability in the field of power industry. Such awareness is shared not only by the local government, Parliament members from the region but also, and above all, all citizens.

We all know that actions undertaken for the power plant development are necessary and we are all determined to commence such enterprises which ban facilitate them. I would like to thank the Southern Poland Power Company Board of Directors, Lagisza Power Plant management and the citizens for understanding of mutual needs and expectations as well as for the attitude which serves the future of our city. To all the parties involved in this enormous enterprise I would like to thank wishing all the best for Christmas and may all your dreams come true in the New Year.

The City Gives its Go-ahead

I reacted in a positive way when I learnt about the Southern Poland Power Company’s willingness to invest in the expansion of the exhaust fumes desulphurising installations for block III and IV as well as the erection of the slag clarifier in Jaworzno III Power Plant. Both enterprises have got significant meaning in the ecology balance for entire Jaworzno. Therefore the city gave its go-ahead as far as these investments are concerned. Also investment plans for Jaworzno II Power Plant. Biomass combustion installation is the next requirement coming from the EU directive the company needs to meet.

What seems the most important is the investment in the new power block in Jaworzno II Power Plant. I find this idea great and much profitable for the company and city alike. It will provide an opportunity to tighten links between the power industry and mining in the city. It is very crucial as far as working places in both sectors are concerned. I suppose the beginning of 2009 will witness a very serious debate on the new enterprise location.

The relations between the company management and local authorities are very correct. Every city – company issue is consulted and negotiated and according to the law in force promptly dealt with by my co-workers. Operating such a big company within the city limits requires agreements reached at a very detailed level. I do not feel in the position to declare good or very good mutual cooperation. But I do strongly emphasize that I sense no problem on the city side.

Agreements are usually precise, clearly stated and understandable. I do hope our partner, the Southern Poland Power Company, feels the same. I am very glad that talks with the Company management and the power plants management are carried out on the partner-like level. One of the reasons may be the fact that I spent 18 years working in the power industry and I know and get the feeling of the industry.

The area of the Southern Poland Power Company exceeds the limits of Jaworzno. Our city, being part of the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Association, also realizes broader tasks. Representing the city I always strive to carry out enterprises which are significant in the region scale like the waste incineration plant in cooperation with the subject related to the power industry. My heart and mind tell me it should be the Southern Poland Power Company. The competence, expertise and experience in pro-ecology investments speak in favor of the company. The economic potential of the entire group the company is a part of also is of significance.

I wish to be frank therefore I want to say that the existence of such big enterprises within city limits brings about certain inconveniences. It is also the case of mines and power plant. Fortunately due to the fact of such plants existence the city receives compensation in the form of income from taxes and charges. The Southern Poland Power Company is an exemplary tax payee and the city has no reasons to complain as far as this issue is concerned.

It is also worth mentioning the activity of the Foundation ‘Power Industry for the Southern Poland’ which has supported our education and healthcare for 15 years. The Southern Poland Power Company also actively supports sport mainly the local volleyball team.

All these activities let us look positively at the future of the city within the framework of power industry. Our city, in a way, was built on the industry and it seems this sector will be present in Jaworzno for many years.