Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is soliciting proposals from parties interested in acquiring its DeSabla-Centerville hydroelectric facilities in Butte County, Calif.
PG&E made the announcement earlier this month, and the utility is also seeking offers to purchase its Lime Saddle and Coal Canyon powerhouses and their associated infrastructure.
Powerhouses in the DeSabla-Centerville project include the 18.5-MW DeSabla, the 1.5-MW Toadtown and 6.4-MW Centerville. The powerhouse for Lime Saddle is rated at 2 MW and 900 kW for Coal Canyon.
In February, HydroWorld.com reported PG&E would request the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to initiate its “orphan project” process to allow for other qualified entities to apply for a license to operate the facility in the future.
The solicitation this month is in response to FERC denying the request to initiate the orphan project process.
FERC has directed PG&E to seek interest by any entity in potentially acquiring the DeSabla-Centerville facility, whether through license transfer, filing of a new license application, or any other means, according to PG&E.
Sale of the facilities will require approval by the California Public Utilities Commission. A license transfer also would be required from FERC for the DeSabla-Centerville project. The Lime Saddle and Coal Canyon powerhouses are not licensed by FERC.
