Energy commission delays AES talks

SACRAMENTO -- The California Energy Commission again delayed

discussion of local powerhouse AES Corp.’s plan to restart two

electricity generators at its 21730 Newland St. site, pending the

resolution of ongoing talks between the power plant and state officials.

The energy commission was slated to review AES’ proposed retooling

project for generating units No. 3 and No. 4, which were mothballed in

1995, Wednesday but continued the discussion to a day as yet unknown.

Ed Blackford, AES Corp. president and site manager, said the primary

reason for the delay remains the same as last week, when AES requested

more time for its talks with the state’s Department of Water Resources to

keep any electricity produced by the refitted units within California.

“As with last week, we feel we’re very close to an agreement and will

hopefully get that done in the next few days,” he said, adding that both

AES and state officials were seeking additional time.

Unlike last week, the matter may not appear before the commission next

week.

Commission officials said they are unsure as to exactly when the AES

project will appear before the five-member state panel.

-- Tariq Malik