Century Aluminum completes power contract

HAWESVILLE, KY (WFIE) - Century Aluminum has completed a new, long-term power contract for its Hawesville, Kentucky's smelter. The smelter received its electrical power from Kenergy Corp (part of the Big Rivers system) in an agreement that was about to expire. The companies have been working for 5 years to work out an agreement that would meet the needs of both the Hawesville smelter and Rio Tinto Alan's Sebree smelter. An agreement has now been reached that would meet the needs of both smelters through 2023. The Hawesville smelter's plant manager, Matt Powell, says the new agreement is "essential to the future of the smelter and the economic well-being of our local communities." One of the smelter's potlines was curtailed in March, resulting in the loss of 20 jobs.