United States Army Prime Power Generator Program

The U.S. Army Prime Power Generator Program (PPGP) operates under the authority of AR 700-128, Prime Power Program (P3). The Chief of Engineers, United States Army, has the overall responsibility for the management and execution of this program. He has delegated this responsibility to the Program Manager, Power Power Generator Program, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power).

The primary purpose of this program is to ensure a mobilization capability exists that provides for the availability of manpower, repair parts and equipment necessary to design, install, operate, maintain and support the PPGP power plants to meet any Department of Defense requirement for prime utility power, not available elsewhere in the Army. Program assets consist of standard and military modified, commercial equipment. During peacetime, the PPGP assets are available for loan to DOD and other U.S. Government departments for a nominal fee to use as backup power, peak shaving and other special or critical electrical requirements, as determined by DOD, the Chief of Engineers or the PPGP Manager. The PPGP is self-sustaining program and managed on a reimbursable basis from annual fees for each generator and per-engine hour charge. Funds received for usage are used to repair and maintain these assets when recovered. Prime Power Specialists from the 249th Engineer Battalion install the equipment and train operators.