[Graphic of Energy Commission Letterhead]

STATE OF CALIFORNIA


Energy Resources
Conservation and Development Commission





I. INFORMATIONAL HEARING


This Notice is to inform you that the Committee designated to conduct proceedings on the Application for Certification for the High Desert Power Project will hold an INFORMATIONAL HEARING as follows:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1998
beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Victorville City Hall
Council Chambers
14343 Civic Drive
Victorville, California
[Handicapped Accessible]


Site Visit Following Hearing


Members of the public and interested agencies are invited to attend this session and may question the Applicant and Energy Commission staff concerning the project. The Commission's Public Adviser, Roberta Mendonca, will also be present to assist interested individuals or groups and to provide information on participating in the Commission's licensing process. She may be reached at (916) 654-4489 or, toll free, 1-800-822-6228.



Project Description

The High Desert Power Project will be located on a 25 acre site on a portion of the Southern California International Airport (formerly George Air force Base) within the northwest corner of the city of Victorville. (See attached map.)
The Applicant has identified three alternative natural gas-fired configurations for the project (one simple-cycle and two combined-cycle designs), which would generate 680 to 830 megawatts of electric power. A new 7.2 mile 230 kilovolt overhead electric transmission line will interconnect the project to the Southern California Edison Company's electrical transmission system at the Victor Substation. A new 230 kilovolt switch yard will be built on the eastern end of the project site. A 2.75 mile natural gas pipeline will be constructed by Southwest Gas Company to provide fuel for the project. Potable water will be provided by the Victor Valley Water District. The Applicant is proposing to use the Mojave River Pipeline Project for cooling water in the combined-cycle configurations. A crystallization process would be used to dispose of wastewater from the cooling cycle.

Electrical energy produced by this proposed "merchant" powerplant will be sold in California's newly created electricity market. (A merchant plant is one built with private funding, and without creating any financial liability for ratepayers.)


Purpose of the Informational Hearing


Licensing of the electric generating plant and related facilities, such as the transmission line and natural gas pipeline, is under the Energy Commission's jurisdiction. The powerplant certification process, which contains requirements equivalent to those under the California Environmental Quality Act, will examine all relevant engineering and environmental aspects of the proposed project. This process provides a public forum allowing the Applicant, Commission staff, interested parties, governmental agencies, and members of the public to consider the relative advantages and disadvantages of the project and to propose changes or alternatives to the project as necessary.

At the Informational Hearing, members of the public and representatives of governmental agencies will have an opportunity to obtain information and to offer comments on the application. The Applicant will explain plans for developing the proposed site and related facilities. Energy Commission staff will explain the administrative licensing process and their role in reviewing the application. Applicant and Staff will also discuss proposed schedules and possible issues which may be significant during this proceeding.

In order to assist participants in understanding the project, Staff shall prepare and serve, upon those listed on the Proof of Service List, a written statement summarizing the potential major issues in this case no later than December 31, 1997. All other desiring a copy of the Staff statement may obtain one by calling Gina Morthole, project secretary, at (916) 654-4235.

Members of the public and interested governmental agencies may participate in all phases of the process in a variety of ways. If you want information concerning public participation, please contact Ms. Roberta Mendonca, the Commission's Public Adviser, at (916) 654-4489 or, toll free in California, at (800) 822-6228.


II. SITE VISIT


Following the Informational Hearing, the Applicant will host a visit to the project site. Transportation will be available. Members of the public and governmental agencies are invited to participate in this tour; those desiring to attend should so notify Ms. Roberta Mendonca, at (916) 654-4489, no later than January 8, 1998.

Technical questions concerning the project should be addressed to Richard Buell, the Commission's Project Manager, at
(916) 654-3930. Questions of a legal or procedural nature should be directed to Stanley Valkosky, the Chief Hearing Officer, at
(916) 654-3893. Information concerning the status of the project, as well as notices and other relevant documents, is also available on the Energy Commission's Internet home page at: www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/highdesert.


Dated: December 12, 1997


ENERGY RESOURCES CONSERVATION
AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION




_____//signed//_____
JANANNE SHARPLESS, Commissioner
and Presiding Committee Member




_____//signed//_____
ROBERT A. LAURIE, Commissioner
Associate Member





Date Mailed: December 12, 1997
Mailed to List: #707