Fisk Generating Station
| Company type | Subsidiary (formerly) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Predecessor | Harrison Street Station |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Founder | Chicago Edison Company |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Decommissioned |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
Area served | Chicago, Illinois |
| Owner | Midwest Generation (1999–2012) |
| Parent | Edison Mission Energy (until 2012) |
The Fisk Generating Station, also referred to as Fisk Street Generating Station or simply Fisk Station, is a decommissioned coal-fired power plant of moderate capacity situated at 1111 West Cermak Road within Chicago's Pilsen district, Illinois. Located adjacent to the south branch of the Chicago River, it utilized this water source for steam generation and received coal shipments via barge. The facility halted its operations in 2012.
Origins
Service at Fisk Street Station commenced on October 2, 1903. It was constructed under the direction of the Chicago Edison Company, the forerunner of Commonwealth Edison, with leadership from Chairman Samuel Insull and Chief Engineer Frederick Sargent. The earlier Harrison Street Station, which began operation in 1894 and featured reciprocating and condensing steam engines with a combined capacity of 16,200 kilowatts, had become insufficient within six years.
The initial Unit 1 at Fisk was a groundbreaking steam turbo-generator rated at 11,000 horsepower (5 MW), produced by General Electric under Chairman Charles A. Coffin. This unit surpassed all previously built turbines in size; prior to this, the largest turbine was a 1,500 kilowatt unit by Westinghouse, installed around 1900. Before this project, General Electric’s turbines had not exceeded 600 kilowatts. Following negotiations, GE assumed the manufacturing risk while Chicago Edison financed the installation. Insull reassured Coffin by stating: "I will make no claim against you... all you have to do is take the apparatus out and throw it in the junk pile."
Engineering design and importance
The mechanical advancements at Fisk Station were notable as its turbine generated twice the power of any existing steam engine of that era. With an energy efficiency reaching 80%—twice that of Chicago Edison’s previous reciprocating machines—the turbines operated at speeds tenfold greater, weighed only a tenth as much, and demanded less upkeep. These turbines featured blades moving at supersonic speeds, transforming electricity's availability, dependability, and cost-effectiveness. The original 5 MW Curtis turbine from 1903 is presently preserved at General Electric’s Schenectady facility as a recognized national engineering landmark. Fisk Station maintained its pioneering status with the 1914 deployment of horizontally oriented turbines, which facilitated larger and faster units supported by enhanced foundations. In 1908, Electrical World commended the plant for its superior engineering and impressive architectural qualities.
Acquisition by Midwest Generation
In 1999, Midwest Generation—a subsidiary of Edison Mission Energy—purchased seven fossil fuel power plants along with five peaking facilities from Commonwealth Edison’s parent company for $4.8 billion. This transaction included Fisk Station as well as Crawford, Waukegan, Powerton (Pekin), two plants in Joliet, and Will County (Romeoville) stations.
Strike
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 15, which represents approximately 1,150 employees across seven fossil-fuel power plants in Illinois, initiated a strike against Midwest Generation in June 2001 following unsuccessful contract negotiations. After a two-month strike period, union members voted to resume work without conditions while continuing bargaining efforts. Midwest Generation declined this proposal and subsequently locked out workers who maintained the picket line. Confronted with the lockout, the union agreed to a contract with less favorable terms about seven weeks later.
The IBEW filed a charge alleging that the lockout was an unlawful response to union activities. In 2002, the NLRB Regional Director issued a formal complaint against Midwest Generation. A 2004 ruling by an NLRB panel found no wrongdoing; however, this decision was overturned in 2005 by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which deemed the lockout illegal and sent the case back for remedies that could include voiding the contract. The Supreme Court refused to review the case in 2006.
In 2008, the NLRB mandated backpay for workers who had been locked out and referred contract-related matters to an administrative law judge. During this time, Midwest Generation and IBEW Local 15 negotiated a new agreement. Judge Giannasi helped mediate these discussions, culminating in a $16 million settlement addressing backpay and damages such as losses related to 401(k) plans.
Shutdown
Fisk Station halted its operations in August 2012, primarily due to competitive pressures from natural gas-fired power plants and upcoming environmental regulations.
On December 17, 2012, Edison Mission Energy—the parent company of Midwest Generation and operator of multiple Illinois power stations—filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company cited factors including low energy prices, elevated coal fuel costs, looming debt obligations, and necessary upgrades to comply with environmental requirements as significant challenges.
A 2002 study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health identified Fisk Station as a major contributor to health risks such as increased mortality rates and asthma in surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, Midwest Generation’s Crawford Generating Station located in Chicago’s Little Village area was also highlighted. Both facilities were scheduled for closure amid intensifying regulatory scrutiny and market shifts.
Accidents
According to records maintained by IBEW Local Union 15 Workers Memorial, Fisk Station experienced at least six fatalities resulting from workplace incidents:
- Peter J. Gregor, foreman, suffered fatal burns on February 2, 1937.
- Robert A. Hurtienne, station electrician, died after a fall on October 15, 1938.
- Floyd Coleman, boiler operator, fatally burned on July 11, 1945.
- Terrance Lennon and William E. Kenny, electricians, both fatally burned on October 19, 1954.
- Matthew J. Wynne Jr., substation construction mechanic, fatally injured on January 26, 1974.
On November 21, 1976, Chicago firefighter Walter Watroba lost his life after being trapped beneath a collapsed coal chute during a fire that caused $8 million in damage. The blaze spread along the coal conveyor system affecting several buildings and required deployment of approximately 300 firefighters.
Units
In addition to its primary coal-fired unit, Fisk Station housed multiple kerosene-fueled auxiliary units commissioned in 1968:
| Unit | Nameplate capacity (MWe) | Commissioning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 374 | 1968 | Primary coal-fired unit (retired) |
| 311 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 312 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 321 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 322 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 331 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 332 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 341 | 38 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |
| 342 | 22.8 | 1968 | Kerosene-fired backup unit |