The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is preparing an environmental review of a new power plant in Pala. It would be built by Orange Grove Energy, L.P. on land owned by SDG&E. The property is currently designated General Agricultural (A72) in the San Diego County general plan. The project would have a nominal electrical output of 96 megawatts (MW) using natural gas. Construction is planned to start in winter 2008 with a six-month construction period. Operation is planned for June 2008. Opponents have expressed many concerns, including the two, 80 foot exhaust stacks (in a scenic area), air pollution, and need for water.
