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 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 a new 500-kV transmission line that would extend from the existing SDG&E Imperial Valley Substation to a new 500/230 kV substation to be developed and operated by Horizon West Transmission LLC in Orange County. Accordingly, SDG&E proposes to construct, operate, and maintain the Golden Pacific Powerlink Project.
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
Following the receipt of a complete application, the CPUC conducts two parallel processes when considering development proposed by a regulated utility: (1) an application review process, in which the CPUC reviews the utility’s proposal and considers whether the project is needed and is in the public interest, and (2) an environmental review process pursuant to CEQA. The CPCN application process focuses on utility ratepayer and public benefit issues and is is led by the CPUC’s assigned commissioner(s) and administrative law judge(s) The CEQA process for utility applications is led by CPUC’s Energy Division. The CPUC will use the CEQA document in conjunction with other information prepared for the CPUC’s formal record to act on the SDG&E application.
Click here for more information about the CPUC’s decision and review process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
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 so as to facilitate compliance with the requirements of CEQA.
As the CEQA lead agency, the CPUC will consider the applicant provided information and prepare a CEQA document that reflects the CPUC’s independent judgment and information received from the public and agencies through the environmental review process. Before SDG&E files its CPCN application, the CPUC is coordinating with relevant federal, state, and local agencies
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