John Wayne Airport can now mostly rely on itself for power, after firing up four generators to produce up to 7 megawatts of electricity.
Officials on Thursday morning dedicated a $31-million central utility plant at the south end of the airport.
It will provide 95% of the airport's energy and a steady stream of cool water for the air-conditioning system. Part of JWA's $540-million expansion and improvement program, officials say the plant was designed to save the airport energy costs in the long-run, and to be self-reliant.
"It's nice Southern California Edison is our backup, and not vice-versa," County Supervisor John Moorlach said after the ceremony. "I think it's good planning."