Individual-level health effects of living near a gas-fired “Peaker” power plant

Introduction

“Peaker” electrical power plants operate only during periods of peak energy needs. Rapid fossil-fuel combustion ramp-up produces high emissions, and peaker plants are significant sources of CO 2 and particulate air pollution. We evaluated whether residents living near a gas-fired peaker plant experienced increased pollution-associated emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits associated with air pollution related to the “on” phases of peaker operation.