PG&E Shuts Down Hunter's Point Power Plant
(May 15, 2006)
 SF Environment director Jared Blumenfeld stands next to a control panel with gauges all at zero. |
San Francisco - Ten working days after putting into service the Jefferson Martin Transmission Line, Pacific Gas and Electric Company has announced the closure of Hunters Point Power Plant today, May 15th, 2006. Joined at the plant by Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor Sophie Maxwell, and Tim Gage of CAISO Board, Nancy McFadden, Vice President of Government Affairs at PG&E, announced that the turbines at 1000 Evans Avenue will run no more.
"PG&E is committed not only to providing the best service, but also to respecting the needs and concerns of our neighbors," said McFadden. "Listening to our customers, protecting the environment and finding win-win energy solutions are all critical to our vision of becoming the nation's leading utility. This milestone shows what is possible when we put these values into action."
"Shutting down the power plant has undoubtedly been a long struggle, but success is due to collaboration and constant dialogue," said Mayor Newsom, "I am excited to see PG&E keep its promise to the community and I look forward to the future redevelopment of this land."
In 1998, PG&E entered into an agreement with the City and County of San Francisco to shut down Hunters Point Power Plant once the company could provide an alternative source of energy. PG&E then embarked on an intensive study to research the most efficient and environmentally sound means to supply power. To date, after investing over $300 million dollars on nine independent transmission projects to ensure sufficient energy would be flowing into the city, PG&E has doubled total capacity to meet the growing demand and increase reliability for not only San Francisco, but for the neighboring cities of Hillsborough, Burlingame, Millbrae, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Brisbane, Colma, Daly City, and Pacifica.
"PG&E has proven to be a responsible utility company," said Tim Gage, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the California Independent System Operator, "I am honored to work with the company in ensuring reliable service to its customers."
Following the closure of Hunters Point Power Plant, PG&E has committed to knock down the facilities and clean up the land to meet California EPA standards for residential use, the highest possible designation under the agency's codes. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is the first utility company ever to commit to these standards at a former power plant site.
"PG&E has been a good neighbor," said Supervisor Maxwell, "Not once have they turned their back on the concerns of the community. I am happy to see that we will continue to have reliable power, while our children and families continue to be safe in their homes in this neighborhood."