Place
AES Power Plant Site
The former AES Redondo Beach Generating Station — a 51-acre waterfront property that was a gas-fired power plant for decades. Closed December 31, 2023.
1100 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Background
History
The AES Redondo Beach Generating Station operated for decades as a major gas-fired power plant on 51 acres of prime waterfront land. After years of activism by residents — including current Mayor Jim Light, late Mayor Bill Brand, and the South Bay Parkland Conservancy — the plant shut down on December 31, 2023.
Now
Current Status
The site is closed and sits largely idle. The majority co-owner Leo Pustilnikov (through 9300 Wilshire / New Commune DTLA) filed for bankruptcy in early 2023 to stave off a foreclosure auction. A dispute exists between Pustilnikov and AES over who will pay for site cleanup. In October 2025, a California appellate court ruled unanimously that Redondo Beach failed to identify realistic housing sites in its Housing Element — a lawsuit brought by Pustilnikov's company. Without a certified Housing Element, the city is vulnerable to the state's Builder's Remedy law.
Decisions & projects
Key Projects
Site Cleanup
In disputeDisputed responsibility between Pustilnikov (9300 Wilshire) and AES for environmental remediation
Housing Element Litigation
Ruled against cityOctober 2025 appellate court ruling found the city's Housing Element inadequate; New Commune DTLA awarded costs
Redevelopment Vision
Long-term planningMayor Light's priorities include maximizing wetlands and public parkland and eliminating high power lines along 190th Street
Coverage
Related Articles
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
- Is the AES power plant in Redondo Beach still operating?
- No. The AES Redondo Beach Generating Station shut down permanently on December 31, 2023, after years of resident activism.
- Who owns the AES power plant site in Redondo Beach?
- The 51-acre site is majority co-owned by Leo Pustilnikov through his 9300 Wilshire corporation (New Commune DTLA). Pustilnikov filed for bankruptcy in early 2023 to stave off a foreclosure auction.
- What will happen to the AES site in Redondo Beach?
- The site's future is uncertain. There is an ongoing dispute over environmental cleanup costs between the owner and AES, plus unresolved bankruptcy proceedings. Mayor Light has stated his priorities include maximizing wetlands and public parkland on the site.
- What is the Builder's Remedy and how does it affect Redondo Beach?
- The Builder's Remedy is a California state law that allows developers to bypass local zoning when a city lacks a certified Housing Element. After a 2025 appellate court ruling found Redondo Beach's Housing Element inadequate, the city is vulnerable to Builder's Remedy applications on sites like the AES property.