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Key Dates

• 11/28/2001 - Application for Certification (AFC) filed
• 2/6/2002 - Commission accepts AFC as "data adequate."
• 8/27/2002 - Commission staff releases Preliminary Staff Assessment.
• 1/24/2003 - Commission staff releases Final Staff Assessment.
• 6/27/2003 - Committee releases Presiding Member's Proposed Decision.
• 8/6/2003 - Commission approves Application for Certification.
• 4/1/2006 - Power plant on line and producing power.

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General Description of Project

The Palomar Energy Center was certified by the Energy Commission in August 2003, and began commercial operation in April 2006. The 500 megawatt facility is situated on a 20-acre site within the Escondido Research and Technology Center, a 184-acre industrial park in the City of Escondido in San Diego County. The project site is about 600 feet southwest of the intersection of Vineyard Avenue and Enterprise Street, west of Interstate 15 and south of State Highway 78.

The project consists of two combustion turbine-generators equipped with dry low combustors and evaporative inlet air coolers, two heat recovery steam generators equipped with duct burners, selective catalyst reduction (SCR) and oxidation catalyst emission control systems, a steam turbine-generator, and associated auxiliary systems and equipment. The project also includes a 230 kilovolt (kV) switchyard that interconnects with a San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) electric transmission line located immediately adjacent to the project site.

The power plant is fueled by natural gas delivered via the SDG&E gas system. An existing SDG&E natural gas pipeline with sufficient capacity to serve the project is located immediately adjacent to the project site.

Energy Commission Facility Certification Process

The California Energy Commission is the lead agency (for licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts and larger) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has a certified regulatory program under CEQA. Under its certified program, the Energy Commission is exempt from having to prepare an environmental impact report. Its certified program, however, does require environmental analysis of the project, including an analysis of alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize any significant adverse effect the project may have on the environment.

For Questions about this Certification Proceeding Contact:

Keith Winstead
Project Manager
Siting, Transmission and Environmental Protection (STEP) Division
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-15
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-208-3849
E-mail: Keith.Winstead@energy.ca.gov

For Questions About Public Participation In Certification 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

News Media Please Contact:

Media & Public Communications Office
Phone: 916-654-4989
E-mail: mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov