Report: SDG&E Fights Ruling Delaying Powerlink
POSTED: 10:39 am PDT August 20,
2007
UPDATED: 10:48 am PDT August 20,
2007
SAN DIEGO -- The battle over the controversial Sunrise Powerlink is not over yet. San Diego Gas and Electric Co. has asked the state power commission to reconsider a ruling that would delay approval of a massive power line project for five months, according to the North County Times.The report said that SDG&E wants the delay reduced to no more than one month, arguing that to wait any longer would keep the San Diego region from complying with a state mandate to use more renewable power by 2010.Last month, California Public Utilities Commission commissioner Dian Grueneich issued a ruling that said the commission would not release a draft of their environmental review documents for the Powerlink until the summer of 2008.
Sunrise Powerlink Ruling
The reason for the delay is due to a change in testimony by San Diego Gas & Electric on three key issues, according to the CPUC.The first is SDG&E's desire to expand the project in the future, most likely to the greater Los Angeles area. The CPUC also said SDG&E recently disclosed the need for a major new substation to interconnect the Sunrise Powerlink with wind power. Also, the CPUC said SDG&E now claims renewable facilities would not be developed in the Imperial Valley without the Powerlink, a change from their previous position and testimony.The project involves a proposed 150-mile power line that would run from El Centro through the Anza-Borrego Desert, across Ramona and into parts of San Diego. The line would cost about $1.3 billion.Company spokeswoman Jennifer Briscoe said SDG&E has provided all information necessary for the approval process to go forward."We stand behind the line," Briscoe told the Times. "We feel we've provided complete and accurate information."SDG&E officials insist the county would benefit from the power line by helping to lower energy costs, cutting back on greenhouse emissions, improving energy reliability in the region and to expanding access to clear, renewable energy sources.Opponents say the area's power needs can be met through other, smaller projects.Previous Stories:
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Sunrise Powerlink Ruling
The reason for the delay is due to a change in testimony by San Diego Gas & Electric on three key issues, according to the CPUC.The first is SDG&E's desire to expand the project in the future, most likely to the greater Los Angeles area. The CPUC also said SDG&E recently disclosed the need for a major new substation to interconnect the Sunrise Powerlink with wind power. Also, the CPUC said SDG&E now claims renewable facilities would not be developed in the Imperial Valley without the Powerlink, a change from their previous position and testimony.The project involves a proposed 150-mile power line that would run from El Centro through the Anza-Borrego Desert, across Ramona and into parts of San Diego. The line would cost about $1.3 billion.Company spokeswoman Jennifer Briscoe said SDG&E has provided all information necessary for the approval process to go forward."We stand behind the line," Briscoe told the Times. "We feel we've provided complete and accurate information."SDG&E officials insist the county would benefit from the power line by helping to lower energy costs, cutting back on greenhouse emissions, improving energy reliability in the region and to expanding access to clear, renewable energy sources.Opponents say the area's power needs can be met through other, smaller projects.Previous Stories:
- July 25, 2007: Sunrise Powerlink Suffers Setback Following Ruling
- July 26, 2007: Power Line Project Could Take Decades
Copyright 2007 by NBCSandiego.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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