Expert Opinions

Clean

Without this project, it is unlikely that SDG&E will be able to meet the state's [renewable energy] goals.

– California Energy Commission 2006 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update

Without major transmission infrastructure investment, California will not be able to reap the benefits of some of the state's most promising areas for renewable generation: the Tehachapi and Imperial Valley areas.

– California Energy Commission 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report

Reliable

[Sunrise Powerlink] solves San Diego's known import reliability problem for 2010...

– California Independent System Operator, CSRTP-2006 Report

San Diego's $8.5 billion life-sciences industry supports more than 500 companies and 40,000 workers; even a momentary power outage can cost companies who are developing life-saving drugs and devices millions of dollars in manufacturing or years of research.

– Joe Panetta, President and CEO of BIOCOM

Southern California needs new transmission capacity...for reliability, economics and compliance with the state's [renewable energy] standard.

– U.S. Department of Energy, National Electric Transmission Congestion Study, 2006

In August 2005, a major transmission line serving Southern California customers went down, forcing the California Independent System Operator to declare a transmission emergency. As a result, power was cut off to more than 323,000 customers in the San Diego and Los Angeles regions.

– California Independent System Operator, California Energy Action Plan, September 2005

Affordable

"[Sunrise Powerlink] provides positive net economic value for the CAISO ratepayers as its benefit outweighs its cost."

– CAISO South Regional Transmission Plan for 2006

(Sunrise Powerlink) would provide significant near-term system reliability benefits to California, reduce system congestion and its resultant costs, and provide an interconnection to both renewable resources located in the Imperial Valley and lower cost out-of-state generation.

– California Energy Commission 2006 Integrated Energy Policy Report Update