On April 29, 2004, Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) filed an application for a Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE). RPU is seeking an exemption from the California Energy Commission's licensing requirements. If an exemption is granted, the applicant would need to secure the appropriate licenses and permits for the project from various local, state and federal agencies.

RPU proposes to build and operate a nominal 96 megawatt (MW) simple-cycle power plant on a 12-acre fenced site within the City of Riverside, California. This proposed facility is referred to as the Riverside Energy Resource Center (RERC) Project. RPU would develop, build, own and operate the facility. The proposed site is owned by the City of Riverside and is adjacent to the City's Waste Water Treatment Plant in a light industrial/manufacturing area. The Waste Water Treatment Plant is located on the west side of the Project and includes a 3.3 MW cogeneration facility. The two facilities would be cross-tied for both electrical power and compressed air. The power plant and associated administration building and warehouse would occupy approximately 8 of the 12 acres with the additional 4 acres reserved for equipment storage and construction parking.

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.