USA, California: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has announced plans to build, own and operate a new 500-kV transmission line called the Golden Pacific Powerlink. It will connect the Imperial Valley Substation to the border of San Diego and Orange Counties.
This major infrastructure project aims to ease congestion on the grid, improve system resilience, and support California’s clean energy transition. It will also help reduce overall costs and integrate more renewable energy sources across the region.
Recognised in CAISO’s 2022–2023 Transmission Plan, the project is one of 45 identified as critical to meeting California’s carbon reduction and energy reliability goals. It’s being designed with long-term affordability and safety in mind.
“This project is vital to California’s energy future,” said SDG&E President Scott Crider. “It strengthens the grid, supports clean energy growth, and puts affordability and safety at the centre.”
Costs for the project will be shared across California, with SDG&E customers expected to cover around 9 % of the total, according to current estimates. The project will also incorporate SDG&E’s award-winning wildfire safety programme.
Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with the line going live by 2032, pending all necessary state and federal approvals. A robust public engagement process will give communities a say in how the project is delivered.
Source: Sempra
