Potrero plant could shut down this year
State power regulators told Mayor Gavin Newsom in a letter that the Potrero Power Plant will be allowed to shut down after wiring projects have been completed by Pacific Gas & Electric Corp.
The underground wiring projects, which will improve electricity transmission in San Francisco to help protect against blackouts, are expected to be completed by November, according to company spokesman Joe Molica.
The plant will only be allowed to shut down if a new 400 megawatt power cable has been installed between Pittsburg and San Francisco, the California Independent Systems Operator Corporation told Newsom in the letter.
That cable, the Trans Bay Cable, could be switched on within a month, according to project spokesman PJ Johnston.
Under a settlement agreement secured by City Attorney Dennis Herrera, Mirant Corp. must shut down the power plant once it is allowed to do so by the power regulator.
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That's a question before the Public Utilities Board (PUB) as it examines an application by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, which could see consumers pay up to 18.6 per cent more as of July 1.
"The estimated rate increase for July 2017 is such a significant increase that it may be argued that it would cause rate shock," said the PUB, asking the company to revise its application.
NL Hydro said the price adjustment is part of what happens every year through the Rate Stabilization Plan (RSP),…