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LIVE & WORK - Build Your Career -- Continuing Education -- Training -- Chambers of Commerce - Our Lifestyle -- Community Profile -- Housing -- Education -- Cost of Living -- Public Safety -- Health Care -- Climate -- Arts & Entertainment -- Sports & Recreation - Move to MIGSW -- Find a New Home -- Housing Information -- Telephone & Utilities -- Child Care & Education -- Medical Resources -- Retiring in MIGSW -- News Media -- Places to Worship -- Government Information -- Taxes -- Transportation -- Accommodations -- Calling All Volunteers -- Relocation Packages -- More Services & Info DO BUSINESS - What's Hot! - Business Resources -- Economics -- Financial -- Workforce Development -- Int'l Business Resources -- Michigan Govt Issues - Relocate to MIGSW -- Site Selection -- Infrastructure -- Labor Force -- Incentives -- Taxes -- Accommodations GREAT PEOPLE - Career Connections - Famous Residents - Clubs & Organizations ABOUT MIGSW QUICK FACTS COMMUNITY LINKS AREA MAPS CONTACT US SEARCH RETURN TO HOME PAGE Utilities Water System Michigan's Great Southwest supplies treated water to residential and commercial customers through the use of municipal filtration plants, with the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph having the largest plants. These plants supply water for their own needs and the needs of surrounding villages and townships. Additionally, the plants provide water to area businesses and industries at rates competitive with state and regional averages. The water they provide is of the highest quality, as both plants boast exemplary records for meeting state and federal standards for finished water quality. The combined storage capacity of the two plants is approximately 12.5 million gallons, with the plants having the rated capacity of 28 MGD (Million Gallons Day), and the average daily output of 11.8 MGD. Wastewater Treatment Plants Michigan's Great Southwest has wastewater plants on a municipal basis with the largest plant jointly operated by the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. This plant provides service to local residents and industries with one of the most effective and cost-effective means of wastewater treatment available. The plant has earned a statewide reputation for meeting state and federal guidelines, and has received several awards for outstanding operation. Residents and businesses profit from a final water quality that is among the best in the state. The plant works with industrial and commercial users of all sizes, and is able to service each of them with a package tailored to their particular needs. They provide personalized attention to both new and existing users, offering everything from technical information to funding alternatives. The staff can assist businesses in maintaining compliance with federal pretreatment standards by monitoring process sample and aiding in the documentation of discharge quality. The plant is a secondary treatment facility using the activated sludge method to remove contaminants from incoming wastewater. The plant has rated capacity 13.5 MGD and average daily flow 10.5 MGD. Water Service Rates Michigan's Great Southwest water and wastewater rates vary depending upon the municipality in which you chose to locate. Please contact the municipal offices of your community of choice. Electric Utility System Michigan's Great Southwest receives its electrical supply from American Electric Power. AEP is one of the largest utility companies in America, with over 2.8 million customers in seven different states. Twenty-one major power plants provide power through 122,000 circuit miles of transmission and distribution lines. Power Plants Electricity is generated by two-coal fired power plants located in Southern Indiana and one nuclear power plant located in Bridgman, Michigan (The D.C. Cook Plant). Additionally, they operate six hydro plants along the St. Joseph River. Sub-Stations There are many sub-stations located throughout Michigan's Great Southwest. Once you have chosen the site that is right for your business, contact American Electric Power for further information. Commercial Electric Rates According to the Annual Benchmarking Study comparing Michigan's Great Southwest to 15 similar communities, our electrical utility costs are better than the average of the eight comparison areas for which data is available. UTILITY COSTS FOR 1999 1 mW/ 400mWh $20,634 5 mW/2,500 mWh $96,355 10 mW/5,000 mWh $191,830 50 mW/25,000 mWh $926,630 Natural Gas Michigan's Great Southwest obtains their natural gas supply from one of Michigan's major natural gas providers. With their commitment to reliable and cost-effective service, Aquila offers a number of competitive advantages to its customers. Natural Gas Rates As a natural gas provider, Aquila faces the competition of various fuel types, including electricity. Among its numerous competitors, Aquila manages to rate as the lowest cost utility provider in the state of Michigan. From an industrial/manufacturing standpoint, this fact translates into sizable cost advantages. Once you have chosen the location of your business, contact Aquila for your natural gas needs. If you see this image then click it to find locations in that category in our area! For more information Cornerstone Alliance P.O. Box 428, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 tel: (269) 925-6100 webmaster@michigansgreatsw.com