SAN DIEGO, Aug. 4, 2006 -- One day after getting approval from the California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO) for its proposed Sunrise Powerlink electric-transmission line project, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today is filing with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) an updated application and environmental assessment of the project.
The Cal-ISO is responsible for maintaining the reliability of the statewide power system. The Cal-ISO’s board of governors’ determination of the need for the project is a key piece of SDG&E’s filing, which formally launches the CPUC’s regulatory review process. The line between San Diego and Imperial counties will deliver 1,000 megawatts of electricity to improve energy reliability in the region, help SDG&E and other utilities in California meet the state’s renewable resources goal, and reduce overall energy costs for customers.
“Today’s filing is the result of nearly a year of extensive engineering and environmental studies and in-field analysis of various route options, as well as analysis of alternatives other than transmission,” said James P. Avery, senior vice president-electric for SDG&E. “When we announced the proposed route options in March, we said we expected changes based on community input and what we found during our assessment, and that has happened. We have continued to work with local, state and federal agencies – as well as the affected communities – to refine our preferred route and alternatives to reduce the overall impacts of the project.”
San Diego Gas & Electric is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 825,000 natural gas meters. The utility's service area spans 4,100 square miles and serves customers in more than 125 communities from Southern Orange County to the Mexican border. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region’s quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.
Contact Information:
Stephanie Donovan
San Diego Gas & Electric
(877) 866-2066
www.sdge.com