USA, Califronia: The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Board of Governors has approved the state’s latest transmission plan, recommending around $6.7 B in spending on 38 projects over the next decade.
The decision, passed in a 5-0 vote, formalises the operator’s guidance for California utilities to expand and upgrade the transmission network. CAISO said the plan reflects a shift in grid planning, with more than half of the projects now driven by expected load growth rather than only access to low-cost renewable generation.
The system operator noted that California is forecast to require an additional 107 GW of installed capacity by 2040. This demand will come from electrification of buildings and transport, manufacturing growth, and large loads including data centres.
The plan is designed to support new generation identified by the California Public Utilities Commission, including 45 GW of solar across California, Nevada and Arizona, 8 GW of in-state wind in Tehachapi, more than 2 GW of geothermal capacity in the Imperial Valley and southern Nevada, and over 10 GW of wind imports from Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico.
Key projects include a 500 kV line from Trout Canyon to Lugo, expansion of the Tesla–Trimble–Metcalf 230 kV corridor, and upgrades on the Gates to Los Banos 500 kV line. The plan also includes 12 reconductoring projects, three of which use advanced conductors to boost capacity without building new lines.
One previously planned 500 kV reinforcement project in the Los Angeles Basin has been cancelled due to updated cost data, with needs instead met through smaller upgrades and energy storage.
CAISO said the plan balances affordability with reliability while preparing the grid for significant new demand.
Source: Utility Dive
