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New power plant generates electricity

San Diego County's first major new power plant project in decades has already generated electricity this year. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.

San Diego County's first major new power plant project in decades has already generated electricity this year. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has details.

Sempra energy officials expect the Palomar Power Plant to be on line regularly by the end of spring or beginning of summer. The 550 megawatt natural gas fired power station is located in Escondido. Sempra spokesman Art Larson says the facility is currently undergoing testing.

Larson: In January the plant was running about half the time and it was generating about 500 megawatts during that, some of that period. That power does go out on the grid.

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Larson says testing will continue through Spring. He says the power plant will be bought by San Diego Gas and Electric when its ready for full time energy production. The station will use natural gas to fuel a steam turbine that'll generate electricity. Erik Anderson KPBS News.