On December 30, 2003, Calpine filed an Application for Certification for Phase 2 of the Los Esteros Critical Energy Facility. This new AFC (docket # 03-AFC-2) seeks a license (recertification for continued operation of the Los Esteros Critical Energy Facility (phase 1) and seeks a license for conversion of the facility to a combined-cycle operation (phase 2). For Los Esteros 2 information, documents and notices, please go to: www.energy.ca.gov/sitingcases/losesteros2/

On August 6, 2001, Calpine c* Power filed an Application for Certification seeking approval from the Energy Commission to construct and operate the Los Esteros Critical Energy Facility (LECEF) powered with four General Electric LM6000 gas fired simple-cycle turbines and generating 180 megawatts (MW). The applicant plans to convert to combined cycle mode producing 260 MW at a later date. The project, owned and operated by c* Power, a subsidiary of the Calpine Corporation, will be located on 15 acres of a 55 acre tract, owned by the applicant, in north San Jose at 1515 Elviso-Milpitas Road within Santa Clara County. The site is bounded by State Route 237 on the south side, Zanker Road on the west, and Coyote Creek on the east. The project has two objectives: supplying a reliable source of critical power to the proposed US DataPort (USDP) facility scheduled to be built on the site adjacent to the LECEF; and provide electrical power to the grid in support of the State of California's electrical needs.

The Energy Commission is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has a certified regulatory program under CEQA. Under its certified program, the Energy Commission is exempt from having to prepare an environmental impact report. Its certified program, however, does require environmental analysis of the project, including an analysis of alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize any significant adverse effect the project may have on the environment.

Page Updated: September 14, 2004