Public Service Commission members could not recall anything else like it.

On the way to the State University of New York at Fredonia’s Williams Center for the hearing on repowering NRG Energy Inc., members discussed seeing signs of support for the project dotting lawns. They saw a portable electrical sign reminding residents of the hearing.

Then, later that evening, they saw a crowd of historic proportion.

More than 2,000 residents crowded into the facility on a sweltering Monday evening. Eighty community members spoke and the hearing lasted from 6 p.m till well after 11.

It was monumental. It also played an important role in the commission approving a repowering of the Dunkirk plant.

On Thursday, attendance matters again. This time at the Fredonia Opera House. Two hearings are scheduled – one beginning at 2 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m. The first hour of each hearing is the information program on two competing plans for the gas pipeline, one from NRG and the other from National Grid.

Just like July 2013, residents just need to voice their support for a project that injects an overall investment of nearly $500 million into this region.

“I cannot thank the community enough for their incredible support in the mission to repower NRG Dunkirk so far,” said state Sen. Catharine Young. “Because of their hard work and dedication, we were successful in winning round one in the fight to repower the plant and save our community.

“We know that the economic, energy, and environmental justifications for repowering are overwhelming and this project is crucial for our future. Now we need to come together once again with a unified voice and say ‘RePower Dunkirk!’ You turned out before and we need you again. The future of our school, city, county, and every household depends on the success of this project.”

Comment portions of the hearing are from 3 to 4 p.m. and again beginning at 7. Support of NRG has been a community effort.

We have to make it happen one more time.