Council OKs Next Phase For Roseville Energy Park Project
Roseville
Electric received the go-ahead from the Roseville
City Council on June 4 to complete the next phase in developing
the first City-owned and operated power generation facility, including
a thorough engineering review of the project and submitting a project
application to the California
Energy Commission (CEC).
Roseville Electric staff told the City Council at its June 4 meeting
that they expect to have this phase for the Roseville Energy Park
Project completed by fall 2003. The CEC oversees development of
all power plants in California and the public review and approval
process for applications takes about 18 months.
“Helping to ensure stable energy prices for our residents,
schools and businesses is a key step in protecting Roseville’s
economic prosperity,” said Mayor Pro Tem Gina Garbolino. “Our
neighboring communities will also benefit because having a reliable
power source in South Placer County attracts businesses and that
means more jobs for the region.”
On February 19, 2003, the City Council authorized Roseville Electric
to assess the feasibility of developing the Roseville Energy Park
as part of a long-term strategy to provide reliable electric rates
to its customers and to gain independence from the volatile wholesale
energy market.
“This project benefits the consumers. It provides local control
over a large portion of Roseville’s future energy needs, while
providing a greater value for the City’s electric customers
and enhancing service reliability to them,” Roseville City
Manager Craig Robinson said.
 The
main feature of the project is a 150-megawatt natural gas generating
facility, but the proposed concept for the Roseville Energy Park
also includes a one-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy site that
generates clean, renewable electric power from the sun. The third
element is the Community Energy Center that will showcase innovative
energy systems using power conservation with alternative and renewable
energy sources.
Roseville Electric, the City’s reliable and low-cost electric
utility for the past 93 years, would own the proposed facility and
deliver the locally generated electricity directly into its distribution
grid for use by Roseville residents, schools and businesses.
“Our customers may be increasingly exposed to higher wholesale
energy prices, but the City Council’s action illustrates their
understanding of this very complex issue and a willingness to protect
Roseville residents and businesses,” said Roseville Electric
Utility Director Tom Habashi. “The public process to approve
this project ensures that developing the Roseville Energy Park Project
is done in a logical manner to produce the best possible project.”
For more information about Roseville Electric, the proposed power
plant feasibility study or the Roseville Energy Park, visit the
Roseville
Electric web site (http://www.RosevilleElectric.org/) or call
(916) 797-6937.
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