This website provides information about the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC’s) review of the Golden Pacific Powerlink Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is expected to file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the construction of the Golden Pacific Powerlink Project by the end of 2026.
PROJECT OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY
In the Golden Pacific Powerlink Project, SDG&E is proposing to construct, own, and operate a new approximately 150-mile-along 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line connecting the existing SSG&E Imperial Valley Substation to a new 500/230 kV substation in Orange County. In an effort to meet the growing demand for electricity in the region and improve overall energy reliability, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) identified a policy-driven need for these projects in its 2022-2023 Transmission plan.
The project is in the pre-filing consultation process, and SDG&E has not yet filed a CPCN application with the CPUC. Until an application is filed, the most current information on the project will be available on SDG&E’s Golden Pacific Powerlink Project website.
CPUC REVIEW PROCESS
The CPUC is required to review large applications for new transmission lines to ensure they are compliant with regulatory and statutory requirements. Following the receipt of a complete application, the CPUC conducts two parallel processes when considering development proposed by a regulated utility: (1) an environmental review of the project pursuant to CEQA, and (2) a formal proceeding led by an administrative law judge and an assigned commissioner to consider if the project is needed and in the public interest.
Pursuant to the CPUC’s General Order 131-E, the application package from SDG&E will include information on the environmental impacts of the proposed facility and its operation to facilitate compliance with the requirements of CEQA. As the CEQA lead agency, the CPUC will consider the applicant-provided information and will prepare a CEQA document that reflects the CPUC’s independent judgment as well as additional information received from the public, Tribes, and other government agencies through the environmental review process.
Click here for more information about the CPUC’s decision and review process.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
There are several opportunities to participate in the project during the pre-filing process and after SDG&E files and application during the CEQA review and formal proceedings. This fact sheet provides information on how to participate in the process.
Make Your Voice Heard During the Pre-Filing Process
SDG&E Community Meetings and Survey
- Prior to filing an application with the CPUC for the project, SDG&E is seeking input from federal, state, local, and Tribal government agencies on the proposed route and is engaging the public in a series of community meetings. More information on the project, public meetings, and a survey is available at goldenpacificpowerlink.com/connecting-with-communities.
Maintain Awareness
- Visit the SDG&E project website
- Visit the CPUC’s GPP project webpage
- Join the CPUC’s mailing list for future project updates by sending an email to GPP@ascent.inc to be added to the CEQA mailing list for the project
Make Your Voice Heard After SDG&E Files an Application
CEQA Review Process
- Participate in the 30-day public scoping period for the CPUC’s environmental impact report (EIR), which begins after the CPCN application is deemed complete, by attending scoping meetings and providing written or verbal comments.
- Attend public meetings and comment on the CPUC’s draft EIR once it is released for public review, for a period of at least 45 days.
Formal Proceeding
- Subscribe to the proceeding docket using the CPUC Subscription Service
- Add a comment (and read the comments of others) on the Docket Card for the proceeding, once established, at any point during the proceeding
- Become a party to the proceeding
- Monitor any hearings held by the assigned Administrative Law Judge(s) as part of the formal proceeding
- Comment on the CPUC’s Proposed Decision when it is released
Below is a graphic showing the CPUC’s environmental review process and opportunities for public involvement in the process. Please reach out to the CPUC Public Advisor's Office with questions regarding procedural information.
(click image above to expand)
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW
Project-related documents will be posted here as they become available to the CPUC, beginning with SDG&E’s CPCN application.
Separate environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will also be conducted for this project. A link to the lead federal agency’s NEPA website for this project will be provided here when available.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To request additional information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact us at: GPP@ascent.inc
The CPUC Project Manager:
Tommy Alexander (he/him)
California Public Utilities Commission
Energy Division - CEQA and Energy Permitting
505 Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Contact the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office for procedural information about participating in proceedings.
CPUC Public Advisor’s Office
1-866-849-8390
public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
CPUC Public Advisor’s Office
505 Van Ness Avenue,
San Francisco, CA 94102