PG&E Corp. moved another step closer to full approval of itsproposed 1,040 MW natural gas-fired plant to be located in MaricopaCounty, AZ. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimouslyapproved a special use permit for the pending electric generationfacility to be positioned near Phoenix.

In the sweltering West where capacity is tight, the proposed $500million Harquahala plant is viewed as much needed generation for thecoming years. The plant is expected to be completed and fullyoperational sometime during 2003 (see Daily GPI, June 12).

“The approval of the special use permit by the board ofsupervisors moves us closer to building a much-needed source ofclean and cost-competitive energy,” said Thomas B. King, presidentfor PG&E Corp.’s National Energy Group, West Region. The permitallows the facility to be constructed and to operate. The companyenvisions selling power in the fast-growing, three-state market ofArizona, southern Nevada and Southern California.

All that remains in the way is the water quality permit andcounty air quality permit, as well as a satisfactory environmentalassessment from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. “We’re in anexcellent position to begin construction before year-end,” saidKing.

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