Dec 19 2009
Southern California Edison’s (SCE) application to construct segments 4 to 11 of the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This project is the first transmission project that is being constructed in California for the specific purpose of accessing multiple renewable energy generators in remote areas that are rich in renewable sources. The construction of the transmission line is consistent with California’s renewable energy goals.
The first phase of the TRTP, segments 1 to 3, is under progress. This project aims to deliver renewable power that is generated in new wind projects in Tehachapi area to California grid and customers. The project when completed will be capable of delivering 4,500 megawatts of renewable energy from wind projects as well as from other electricity generating companies in Eastern Kern counties and Northern Los Angeles. This energy is sufficient to power about three million homes.
Les Starck, SCE Vice President, Local Public Affairs, said that the approval from CPUC will help the company to deliver more clean energy to help reduce dependence from other sources of energy as well as to contribute for a healthy environment. He further added that the project will help to meet the increasing demand for power from renewable energy sources and at the same time provide interconnection facilities to new wind generators. The stability of the grid will also improve. This project will also meet the growing demand for power in the Antelope Valley. The transmission constraints that are present in the Los Angeles basin will also be reduced.
The construction of the project segments 4-11 will start in 2010 after final approval from federal land agencies and is scheduled for completion and operational in 2014. Starting from eastern Kern County and passing through portions of the Antelope Valley, the Angeles National Forest, the San Gabriel Valley and the western Inland Empire, it will terminate in San Bernardino County.
Source: http://www.sce.com