The Golden Pacific Powerlink

Where things stand

Application

Not filed yet

Expected

By the end of 2026, possibly by mid-November

Then

30 days from its CPUC Daily Calendar notice to protest and become a party

Open right now

No formal CPUC comment period

Sources: Daily Calendar, latest issue (new applications are listed here first); Golden Pacific Powerlink project page; KPBS; Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rule 1.4, becoming a party; Rule 2.6, protests)

By the numbers

Voltage

500 kVAn overhead line from SDG&E's Imperial Valley Substation to a new 500/230 kV substation north of San Onofre, near the San Diego-Orange County line.

Length

135 to 151 milesSDG&E puts its preliminary corridor at about 151 miles. The CPUC says about 150, CAISO's planning figure is 145, and the Anza-Borrego Foundation says about 135.

Cost

$1.6 to $2.3 billionSDG&E estimates about $1.624 billion from preliminary design. CAISO's 2023 estimate of about $2.28 billion covers a wider scope, including the new substation.

Who pays

Ratepayers statewideSDG&E says costs are paid by customers across CAISO's system, and SDG&E's own customers would pay about 9%. SDG&E has not published a rate impact.

Tower height

140 to 200 ftSDG&E expects towers to average about 140 to 180 feet, on a right-of-way typically 180 to 200 feet wide. The City of Temecula says up to 191 feet; the Vista Irrigation District says just under 200. Six tower designs are under consideration.

In service

2032SDG&E's target, with construction starting in fall 2029. CAISO's required in-service date is June 1, 2034.