PG&E National Energy Group/Calpine -
Otay Mesa Power Plant
Program Description
PG&E National Energy Group hired M+M to create and implement a highly specialized public outreach program regarding the proposed development of a 600 megawatt power plant (Otay Mesa Generating Facility) to be sited and built in the Otay Mesa region of South County, near to the Donovan State Prison. The proposed power plant would ultimately provide enough energy for half a million households; the plans included cutting-edge green technology features, and low-impact visual and environmental aspects.
The proposed power plant came at a particularly interesting time: the state was facing unprecedented power deregulation and a severe power shortage was affecting millions of homes and businesses throughout the state. One of the most difficult challenges for the project, however, was not the need for new power generation, but the untimely corporate challenge for PG&E Energy Group as it faced bankruptcy, and the premier of “Erin Brockovich” a film regarding the parent company’s purported environmental transgressions and its effect on an American community. The film received critical acclaim during the time the proposed power plant was proceeding through regulatory and public outreach processes.
Program Objectives:
- Create and maintain an environment of public support for the proposed power plant
- Navigate through critical negative public perception about the developer
- Disseminate honest, open communication to all key audiences about the development
- Create an adjunct public support system to the developer’s governmental applications
- Promote green, sustainable environmental aspects of the project
- Develop and maintain support from community leaders
Results:
The project achieved widespread community and civic support for the project Minimized the effect of “Interveners” at State of California public hearings. It also received widespread, positive media coverage. Today, the Otay Mesa Energy Center (renamed) is in full operation.