Generation

In an ironic twist of fate, California lawmakers have succeeded in deterring construction of new generation at the same time they are trying to solve their state’s energy shortage. Mirant Corp. said on Friday it will delay construction on its approved 530 MW expansion at its Contra Costa power plant because of market uncertainty. The plant received its permit May 29.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) recently approved construction of two new gas-fired electric generation facilities within the state in an effort to keep ahead of the region’s growing demand. The projects include an enormous 2,700 MW plant in Summit County and a 704 MW facility in Sandusky County.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) recently approved construction of two new gas-fired electric generation facilities within the state in an effort to keep ahead of the region’s growing demand. The projects include an enormous 2,700 MW plant in Summit County and a 704 MW facility in Sandusky County.

Southern Natural Gas filed an application with FERC last week for a $24.9 million pipeline expansion project designed to serve a new power plant being built in Calhoun County, AL, by Calhoun Power and to provide additional capacity for Alabama Gas Co. and the City of Sylacauga, AL. The project will add 33 MMcf/d of firm capacity to the Sonat system, and when combined with existing unused summer capacity, will enable Southern to transport a total of 118 MMcf/d for the three customers.

Southern Natural Gas filed an application with FERC this week for a $24.9 million pipeline expansion project designed to serve a new power plant being built in Calhoun County, AL, by Calhoun Power and to provide additional capacity for Alabama Gas Co. and the City of Sylacauga, AL. The project will add 33 MMcf/d of firm capacity to the Sonat system, and when combined with existing unused summer capacity, will enable Southern to transport a total of 118 MMcf/d for the three customers.

The trappings of a major press conference made it appear like a long-sought ending, but it was really just the beginning late Monday afternoon when California’s governor and Southern California Edison’s CEO announced a breakthrough after six weeks of talks. The “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) for the sale of Edison’s transmission system and power production to the state is contingent on state regulators and legislators swiftly completing some equally significant steps.

Strong gas-fired power generation and economic growth in California prompted Transwestern Pipeline last week to propose a $93 million emergency expansion project and announce plans for a much larger project going forward.

Strong gas-fired power generation and economic growth inCalifornia prompted Transwestern Pipeline to propose a $93 millionexpansion project yesterday. The pipeline received enough marketinterest during an open season last month to file with FERC for a150,000 MMBtu/d expansion of its mainline to Southern California.The proposed Red Rock Expansion was filed yesterday and would beginservice next June if approved.

Mexican officials are working to add 10 new power generationprojects this year alone to guarantee the country has an adequatesupply of electric power through 2006. Energy Minister ErnestoMartens said that based on current capacity and ongoing projects,the country only has sufficient power to meet its growth demandthrough 2004.