SAN DIEGO, Aug. 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today unveiled a 46-megawatt power plant designed to provide additional energy during times of peak demand this summer. This new power plant began supplying power to the grid in July.
"Think of this plant as summer insurance," said James P. Avery, senior vice president, electric, for SDG&E. "We will only run it when we need it, but it will be available to generate crucial power when supplies are tight."
While SDG&E has lined up adequate power supplies to meet customer needs during the hot summer months, rolling blackouts are still a threat should abnormally hot weather coincide with shortages or major equipment outages in neighboring Southern California electric service areas, Avery said.
The Miramar power plant essentially operates like a jet engine, in that it is capable of quick starts, revving up to top output in 10 minutes. The turbine represents a 50 percent increase in thermal efficiency compared to older peaking units previously operated by the utility. The generating unit is equipped with state-of-the-art emissions control system. Miramar should have the lowest emissions of similar plants in the SDG&E region. The unit was tested during recent statewide energy emergencies and was fully functional.
Three years ago, state legislators returned SDG&E to its traditional role of planning and procuring energy for its customers, a role that had been taken away during energy deregulation. Immediately, SDG&E developed a plan to supply power to its customers, knowing the potential for shortages in the near future, Avery said.
SDG&E first announced plans to purchase the Miramar plant when the utility unveiled its new infrastructure projects in 2003. The Miramar plant was designed to help bridge the gap for San Diego customers while larger generating facilities, like Palomar Energy in Escondido, and renewable resources, like the Kumeyaay Wind Project in East County, are being brought online to supply San Diego's energy needs. SDG&E forecasts power demand to grow by about 100 megawatts per year.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.