Cob gets grid approval

Monday, July 12, 2004 4:01 PM PDT

Published July 11, 2004

Energy Facility given OK for transmission line across BLM lands

The proposed Cob Energy Facility got approval to connect into the regional power grid in a federal document released last week.

The Bonneville Power Administration gave its approval in its final environmental impact statement for the 1,130-megawatt gas-fired plant that Peoples Energy of Chicago is proposing to build near Bonanza.

The statement also says the power plant can build a seven-mile-long transmission line across Bureau of Land Management lands.

In separate proceedings, the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council is still weighing whether to authorize the plant's construction.
 

The council's decision is expected in the fall, said Catherine Van Horn, an analyst with the Oregon Department of Energy.

Earlier this year the department issued a recommendation that Peoples Energy be given permission to build the Cob plant.

A hearings officer is set to hear testimony from groups and individuals objecting to Oregon Department's staff recommendation. The meeting is scheduled for later this month in Klamath Falls.

- By Dylan Darling