Malaga Power Plant

Docket Number:

03-SPPE-02 (Small Power Plant Exemption)

Project Status: Exempted.
Operational: September 19, 2005

The California Energy Commission approved this project's Small Power Plant Exemption on May 19, 2004. The Commission monitors the power plant's construction, operation and eventual decommissioning through a compliance proceeding.

Key Dates

11/26/2003 - Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) filed
- Commission accepts SPPE as "data adequate."
3/11/2004 - Commission staff releases Final Staff Analysis.
4/19/2004 - Committee releases Small Power Plant Exemption Decision.
5/19/2004 - Commission approves Small Power Plant Exemption.
9/19/2005 - Power plant on line and producing power.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

On November 26, 2003, the Kings Rivers Conservation District filed a Small Power Plant Exemption for the King River Conservation District Peaking Power Plant. The proposed 97-megawatt natural gas-fired plant will be located south of the City of Fresno and near the community of Malaga in Fresno County.

Small Power Plant Exemption Evaluation Process

The SPPE process allows projects between 50 and 100 MW to proceed with local approval rather than requiring an Energy Commission license. This exemption from the Energy Commission licensing process can be applied to projects that would not create a substantial adverse impact on the environment or energy resources. The Energy Commission acts as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will prepare an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration that examines public health and safety, along with environmental impacts of the proposed project, including all related facilities such as electric transmission lines, natural gas and water pipelines. If the exemption is granted, the applicant would still need to secure the appropriate licenses and permits from relevant local, state, and federal agencies.

For Questions about this Exemption Proceeding Contact:

Mary Dyas
Compliance Project Manager
Siting, Transmission and Environmental Protection (STEP) Division
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-2000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-8891
E-mail: Mary.Dyas@energy.ca.gov

For Questions About Public Participation In Exemption Proceedings Contact:

Public Advisor
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-12 Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-654-4489
Toll-Free in California: 1-800-822-6228
E-mail: PublicAdvisor@energy.ca.gov