Apex Power Group, formed in 2007 by ex-Panoche Energy executives, is getting ready to start up its 300 MW Pio Pico gas power plant in California. ”The project will go commercial next Tuesday [Aug. 30],” managing partner Michael King said.
Performance testing is about to be completed with Kiewit having served as the EPC contractor on the project. Mr King told the GenForum conference in Columbus, Ohio, this week. The gas-fired plant should [now] enter commercial operation within days, he said, adding
“We are very happy to have that one under our belt.”
Situated in San Diego County, the project has a 25-year power purchase agreement with Sempra Energy utility San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
Apex has developed projects in the California ISO, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and now PJM. The North Las Vegas-based company is also developing a 1,600 MW power plant in Guernsey County, Ohio, which is located alongside the Rockies Express gas pipeline and a 765-kV electric transmission line.
Mr King told conference delegates that Apex was attracted to the Ohio and Pennsylvania areas because of the “amazing” amount of shale natural gas production nearby. It is partnering with Caithness on the Guernsey power project.