Renewable Energy Development
GWP has a long history of supporting renewable energy. In 1937 Glendale
became one of the first California cities to contract with the Federal
Government to purchase hydropower from Hoover Dam, and we've been
generating electricity using landfill gas from Scholl Canyon since 1994.
More recently, GWP has made long term investments in wind and geothermal
generation resources, and we are in the process of building a 261 KW
solar photovoltaic generating system on top of the new parking garage
being constructed at the local community college.
To show our continued commitment to renewable resource development GWP
adopted a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2004. The GWP RPS
recognizes the intent of the Californian Legislature to encourage
renewable resources, while taking into consideration the effect on
rates, reliability, financial resources, and the goal of environmental
improvement. The new GWP RPS sets an initial goal of 20% of its annual
energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2017, with the
additional goal of 23% if it can be reached at reasonable cost.
Today, GWP proudly provides approximately 14% of its energy requirements
from renewable resources on an annual basis as follows:
GWP's Renewable Resources
|
Resource
|
Type
|
Capacity (MW)
|
Max Energy (MWh/year)
|
|
Hoover
|
Hydro
|
20
|
68,000
|
|
High Winds Generation
|
Wind
|
3
|
26,208
|
|
Southwest Wyoming Wind Generation
|
Wind
|
10
|
29,000
|
|
Gould
|
Geothermal
|
1
|
8,400
|
|
Scholl Landfill
|
Landfill Gas
|
8
|
70,080
|
Detailed Information on GWP's Renewable Resources
Hoover & Other Hydro Providers
The GWP entitlement in
the Hoover Dam Power Project totals 20 MW. This resource is formally
purchased from Western, and consists of an up-rated portion of the plant
of 2 MW and a renewal portion of 18 MW, with annual associated energy of
approximately 2,000 MWh and 66,000 MWh, respectively. This contract
remains in effect until October 1, 2017.
Additionally, GWP owns and operates the Verdugo Metropolitan
Hydroelectric Plant, a small hydroelectric generating plant designed to
operate in conjunction with the Verdugo Metropolitan Pump Station. This
plant is rated at 400 kW and initially had an average yearly production
of 1,015,690 kWh. Recent water conservation efforts, however, have
resulted in reduced water flow which has brought the average yearly
production down to approximately 600,000 kWh. This lower energy
production is sufficient to sustain the electrical energy needs of the
pump station. Any excess energy is integrated into the GWP electrical
distribution system.
Scholl Canyon Landfill
In July, 1994, GWP completed a 5-mile pipeline that transports methane
gas produced at Scholl Canyon landfill to the steam boilers at the
Grayson Power Plant. Starting in July, 1994, Grayson Units 3, 4, or 5
have generated power using this methane at a minimum loading of
approximately 8 MW. Any additional output from Units 3, 4, and 5 is
fueled by natural gas. During fiscal year 2006, the Grayson Power Plant
generated approximately 70,080 MWh from Scholl Canyon landfill gas. The
U.S. Department of Energy awards a Renewable Energy Production Incentive
payment for energy produced from Scholl Canyon landfill gas.
High Winds Generation Facility (PPM1 Wind Project)
GWP has signed a 25-year power purchase contract with PacifiCorp Power
Marketing, Inc. (PPM) for the purchase of wind powered electrical energy
associated with a 9 MW share of the 145.8 MW High Winds wind generation
facility located in Solano County, California. The contract allows GWP
to have power delivered at a flat 3 MW based on a 33% capacity factor.
Therefore, this resource will provide 26,208 MWh of renewable energy on
an annual basis to GWP customers. This contract commenced on September
1, 2003.
Gould Geothermal Power Project
GWP has signed a 25-year contract with SCPPA for the purchase of up to 3
MW of geothermal power. The project is located in the geothermal areas
of Imperial Valley, California. This contract commenced in February,
2006 at the current level of 1 MW. A potential of an additional 2 MW is
provided for in the contract. Currently, GWP receives approximately
8,400 MWh of renewable energy on an annual basis from this project.
Southwest Wyoming Wind Generation Facility (PPM2 Wind Project)
GWP has signed a 16-year power purchase contract with PPM. This 2nd wind
power contract with PPM will provide up to 10 MW of capacity at a 33%
capacity factor from a generation facility located in Southwest Wyoming.
The contract commenced in July, 2006, and currently provides
approximately 29,000 MWh of renewable energy on an annual basis to GWP's
customers.
Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Generation
GWP is committed to exploring new renewable energy options for its
customers. GWP currently offers rebates for customers to install
grid-connected photovoltaic power generation systems. These systems
require an interconnection agreement that allows GWP to buy any excess
power from the customer. To date, in cooperation with various
residential and commercial customers, approximately 120 kW of
grid-connected photovoltaic generation has been installed on various
structures within the City.
Future Renewable Energy Investment Possibilities
- Partnering with the Southern California Public Power Authority to
review and evaluate proposals for renewable energy with an eye toward
obtaining an additional 3 to 10 MW of renewable generation.
- Working with other utilities looking into the possible development
of the Green Path North transmission line emanating from the Imperial
Valley with the goal of providing a route to receive geothermal power
- Upgrading the STS transmission line to provide a route to receive
additional renewable power from the Wyoming-Utah area into Southern
California.
- Working with the local community college to install a 262 kW
grid-connected photovoltaic system on the new college parking structure.
This system will be owned and operated by GWP, and has an expected
completion date of summer 2007.