A controversial proposal to build a new power plant in Ventura County will be the focus of a public workshop by a state agency.
Thursday, the California Energy Commission will talk about the staff report for NRG’s planned power plant at Mandalay Beach, in Oxnard. Then, the public will be able to comment on the plan, which calls for replacing two of the three facilities now at the beach with a new plant. The 262 megawatt facility would be a peaker plant, which means it would only be used to help the power grid at peak demand times.
The Puente Power Project plan has drawn widespread opposition from environmental groups, residents, and the City of Oxnard. Opponents say it’s an inappropriate site for a new plant, and that it’s unfair that a city with existing facilities be saddled with a new one.
The workshop will include 10 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. sessions Thursday, taking place at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. It’s expected to be next year before the fate of the proposal is decided.
