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Rules Committee extends Power Plant Task Force through 2010 amid debate over peaker plants and ISO reliability

San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee · December 3, 2009

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Summary

The committee agreed to extend the Power Plant Task Force’s expiration to Dec. 31, 2010, after public testimony that included disagreement over whether the task force remains necessary, ongoing concerns about peaker plants and calls for stronger outreach and coordination with the California Independent System Operator.

The Rules Committee voted Dec. 3 to extend the Power Plant Task Force’s expiration date from Dec. 31, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2010, sending the resolution on to the full Board with the committee’s recommendation.

Opponents in the public comment period argued the task force has outlived its usefulness. Espinosa Jackson told supervisors there was "no need for a continuance of this committee" and urged disbanding, saying "we have wasted enough time and money dealing with this over the last 8 years."

Phil D'Andravy, identified at the hearing as chair of the task force, said peaker plants and contractual obligations remain in place and that the California Independent System Operator (Cal ISO) continues to require maintenance of peaking generators. D'Andravy said the task force seeks technical-adviser status in the city's resource-reliability evaluation and argued the task force should remain available to advise the city while closure efforts continue.

Joe Boss, a longtime task force member from Dogpatch, reviewed the panel’s history of interventions dating to 2001, including settlements and transmission solutions, and urged sufficient time for an updated electric resource plan. Joshua Arce and other advocates urged the task force to pressure Cal ISO on a "25 megawatts" reliability gap they say is key to shutting down Potrero and to notify the public more reliably about meetings so community members can participate at ISO hearings.

Supervisors discussed outreach and transparency. Phil D'Andravy said the task force meets the fourth Thursday of each month in City Hall (Room 408) and that meeting notices appear on the city website; supervisors urged additional proactive outreach such as email blasts.

Supervisor Chris Daley moved the extension and asked that the Rules Committee continue to be vigilant about the task force’s work; the committee agreed and the item will be forwarded to the full Board.

The committee did not adopt sweeping changes to the task force’s mandate at the hearing; members asked staff and the task force to pursue improved outreach and technical coordination with Cal ISO and city agencies.