Closure Potrero Generating Station

one of 3 liquid fuel storage vessels @ potrero. skyline of city of san francisco visible in background.

for many years effort had been made mirant expand or upgrade potrero point facility, while many in local community felt site should closed due health , pollution concerns. in particular, there concern flow of water through plant damaging local environment in bay, though mirant disputed this. on march 2, 2006, california public utilities commission announced rejection of mirant s expansion plans. @ time, plant tentatively scheduled shut down sometime in 2007 more modern replacement of similar size built @ site, subsequently plans scaled , called diesel peaking power generators upgraded. proposed upgrade, estimated cost between $80 million , $100 million, have converted peaking generators run on natural gas. have decreased, not eliminated, pollution , removed need store large quantities of diesel fuel on site.

in 2009 city of san francisco , mirant agreed close down plant, pending approval california independent system operator. casio ruled month later plant must stay on line @ least through 2010, , after upgrades electrical transmission grid going san francisco completed , city able import sufficient power other parts of state meet of needs. meanwhile, plant continued generate thermal pollution discharge of heated water san francisco bay, , mirant had given no indication take steps further control discharges.

on december 21, 2010, san francisco mayor gavin newsom announced potrero plant cease operations end of year. potrero generating station permanently shut down in january 2011. genon energy, mirant s parent corporation, solicit bids sell property redevelopment. developers expect area used high-density housing or office space after site undergoes environmental cleanup.