U.S. Geothermal Announces New San Emidio Power Plant Beginning Performance Testing

U.S. Geothermal Inc., a leading renewable energy company focused on the development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy, announced that its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor has started performance testing on the new 8.6 net megawatt San Emidio power plant. Performance testing includes guaranteed output, capacity, reliability and continuous operation tests that the plant must pass to achieve both commercial operation under the PPA and substantial completion under the EPC contract.

The plant has undergone component commissioning during the past three weeks and has operated at generation levels of up to 9 megawatts net (12 megawatts gross). During commissioning and performance testing, all power generated is sold under the PPA at a rate of $50.00 per megawatt-hour until commercial operation is achieved. Upon acceptance of commercial operation by NV Energy, the power rate will increase to $89.75 per megawatt-hour with a 1% annual escalation.

The EPC contractor is providing its services under a fixed price contract that includes financial guarantees for the original completion date and power output of the plant.

U.S. Geothermal
www.usgeothermal.com