From NBC11.com…

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Wednesday announced that it will close the aging Hunters Point power plant this spring.

In 1998 the utility announced plans to close the gas-powered plant. Since then it has been working to complete nine electrical transmission projects specified by the California Independent Systems Operator, which would allow for the plant’s closure, spokesman Paul Moreno said Wednesday.

“The plant’s closing is condition-specific, not time-specific,” Moreno said. He said the utility expects to be able to meet the conditions set by the ISO this spring.

The ISO currently requires PG&E operate the plant under the “reliability-must-run” contract, Moreno said, but will release the plant from that contract once the last of the nine transmission projects are completed and tested. After it’s released, the utility can choose to close or to continue to operate the plant. We won’t go back on our word,” Moreno said. “I don’t think even the strongest cynics think we won’t close it.”

Moreno said the utility does not currently have plans for the plant site. “When we close the plant a contractor will demolish and remove all structures. The substation next to the plant will remain, but it has no emissions and does not generate power,” he said.

The utility might sell the land, Moreno said, at which point the city of San Francisco would be given first right of refusal to buy the land for the price of the highest bid.

PG&E to shutter Hunters Point power plant early [SFGate]

Facts about the Potrero to Hunters Point 115-kv Cable Project [PG&E]

Day of Action to Shut Down PG&E Hunters Point Power Plant [IndyBay]

End is near for Hunters Point plant [SFGate]

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