When all phases are developed, the Tehachapi project will include a series of new and upgraded high-voltage transmission lines capable of delivering 4,500 MW of electricity from wind, solar and other generation resources in northern Los Angeles and eastern Kern counties.
SCE has completed construction of the first three segments, which are capable of delivering 700 MW of renewable energy. Last December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved SCE's application to build segments 4-11. Construction of segments 4-11 is scheduled to begin later this year – pending final approval from federal land agencies – with the project becoming operational in 2015.
The project spans from eastern Kern County to the city of Ontario in San Bernardino County. It will cross portions of the Antelope Valley, the Angeles National Forest, the San Gabriel Valley and the western Inland Empire.
The Tehachapi project is the first major California transmission project built specifically to access renewable energy.
During the next five years, SCE forecasts that it will invest $21.5 billion to expand, green and strengthen the region's power grid. A total of $5.5 billion, or 26% of this investment, is directed toward the transmission grid.
SOURCE: Southern California Edison
