Utilities to collaborate on transmission planning project for renewable energy   

The Imperial Irrigation District and Southern California Edison have agreed to initiate joint planning studies of an existing transmission corridor in Southeastern California that could significantly boost the transfer capability of renewable energy under development in the resource-rich Imperial Valley.  

The joint planning project, which is contingent on further study by both utilities and the approval of the California Independent System Operator, centers on Path 42, a 35-mile-long 230-kV transmission line that interconnects the IID and SCE systems. The ultimate goal of the joint planning project would be to deliver new renewable resources in the IID service area to CAISO via the Devers substation owned by SCE.  

The current Path 42 configuration can deliver up to 700 megawatts, but IID recently declared an “open season” for renewable generators interested in accessing new capacity on the line if upgrades are performed that would expand its transfer capability to 1,700 megawatts. IID owns approximately 20 miles of the existing transmission line, while SCE owns roughly 15 miles.   

Brian Brady, IID general manager, said the utilities are in the process of establishing the feasibility of a prospective joint project, but that there are clear benefits to be derived by the ratepayers of both agencies.   “The next step,” Brady said, “will be for both agencies to do the requisite due diligence, compare notes and decide whether it makes sense to proceed. For now, we are pleased to be working with Southern California Edison in exploring the long-term viability of such a project.”  

(This is a corrected version of a previous joint press release issued on Nov. 5, 2009)