DATE: September 27, 2006
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS REGARDING SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC’S SUNRISE POWERLINK PROPOSAL 

SUMMARY:
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to build a 150-mile energy transmission line between the El Centro area of Imperial County and northeastern San Diego County.  According to the utility, the project, referred to as the Sunrise Powerlink, is needed to bring renewable resources into the County from Imperial County and to improve electric reliability for the region.

A number of individuals and groups have objected to the Sunrise Powerlink and have raised concerns about the proposed route of the line, which would traverse the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and cross numerous public and private properties.  Several groups have questioned the need for the line and have asked that the utility meet future energy demand with alternate solutions.

Currently, the County of San Diego is preparing written comments on the Proponent’s Environmental Assessment (PEA) of the project.  Today’s action will give proponents and opponents of the Sunrise Powerlink the opportunity to outline their respective positions before the Board of Supervisors.

Recommendation:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB AND SUPERVISOR PAM SLATER-PRICE

1. Receive prepared presentations from proponents and opponents of the Sunrise Powerlink, each presentation not to exceed 20 minutes.  

Fiscal Impact:
This action can be performed within exiting resources.

BACKGROUND
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to build a 150-mile energy transmission line between the El Centro area of Imperial County and northeastern San Diego County.  According to the utility, the project, referred to as the Sunrise Powerlink, is needed to bring renewable resources into the County from Imperial County and to improve electric reliability for the region.

A number of individuals and groups have objected to the Sunrise Powerlink and have raised concerns about the proposed route of the line, which would traverse the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and cross numerous public and private properties.  Several groups have questioned the need for the line and have asked that the utility meet future energy demand with alternate solutions.

Currently, County of San Diego staff is preparing written comments on the Proponent’s Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Sunrise Powerlink.  The CPUC has set an October 20 deadline for formal comments.  Today’s action will give proponents and opponents of the Sunrise Powerlink the opportunity to outline their respective positions before the Board of Supervisors.     

 

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District       

PAM SLATER-PRICE
Supervisor, Third District