September 15, 2012 (San Diego) - The California Energy Commission on September 12 approved the construction of the proposed Pio Pico Energy Center, a natural gas-fired “peaker” power plant.

By a 4-0 vote, the Energy Commission adopted the presiding member's proposed decision (PMPD) for the project.

"This power plant will be able to respond quickly and follow load fluctuations in the San Diego area when power demand is high,” said Energy Commissioner Carla Peterman, presiding member for the committee reviewing the project.