The California Energy Commission (Energy Commission) received a petition on October 10, 2003 from Larry Lewis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bottle Rock Power Corporation (BRPC), requesting approval of a change of ownership/operational control of the Bottle Rock Geothermal Power Plant from Ronald Suess, past President of BRPC, to Mr. Larry Lewis. This also will transfer to Mr. Lewis all of the obligations imposed by the conditions of certification of the power plant, including those that apply to the current suspension of power plant operations. Operation of the power plant has been in suspension since 1990 due to an inadequate steam supply. If the change of ownership petition is approved by the Energy Commission, the Bottle Rock Power Corporation may file a petition with the Energy Commission in the near future to restart the power plant. A petition to restart the power plant will be subject to public notice and review, environmental evaluation, and consideration by the full Energy Commission.

Energy Commission Review Procedures for the Proposed Ownership Change

A statement describing the proposed ownership change, signed under penalty of perjury by a representative of the proposed new owner of the project, was submitted to the Energy Commission for review and approval as required by Title 20, California Code of Regulations, section 1769(b). The statement affirms that the new owner agrees to be bound by the requirements of the Energy Commission for the Bottle Rock Geothermal Power Plant. The proposed ownership change has been tentatively scheduled for consideration by the Energy Commission at the December 3, 2003 business meeting.

If you would like to receive a copy of the petition for ownership change, or the Energy Commission's Order if this change is approved, please complete the enclosed Information Request Form and return it to the address shown. If you have any questions, or wish to make comments regarding this ownership change, please contact Nancy Tronaas, Compliance Project Manager, at (916) 654-3864, or by e-mail at ntronaas@energy.state.ca.us, within 14 days of the date of this Notice.

For further information on how to participate in this proceeding, please contact Ms. Margret J. Kim, the Energy Commission's Public Adviser, at (916) 654-4489, or toll free in California at (800) 822-6228. If you require special accommodations, contact Lourdes Quiroz at (916) 654-5146. News media inquiries should be directed to Assistant Director, Claudia Chandler, at (916) 654-4989.