Sunrise Powerlink

Sunrise Powerlink is a high-voltage power transmission line proposed to be constructed in San Diego County, California and Imperial County, California by San Diego Gas & Electric. If approved, 150-mile long 230/500 kV power line will bring 1000 megawatt of power from El Centro, California to northern San Diego. San Diego Gas & Electric maintains that the power line is necessary to support future growth of San Diego region and its economic benefits to the region will measure on the order of $100 million per year.

The project has generated much controversy since its conception, primarily due to its route. Rather than following roads (e.g. Interstate 8) or existing power lines, SDG&E proposes to build it in wilderness, cutting across Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cleveland National Forest. It is staunchly opposed by environmental groups, who believe that construction of the power line, as well as the power line itself, will be harmful to the environment, will cost ratepayers more than better alternatives, and will actually add more greenhouse gases than it will save. The objective, fact-based [http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/info/aspen/sunrise/toc-deir.htm Draft Environmental Impact Report] finds that several alternatives would be better for the environment than the Sunrise Powerlink.

References

* [http://www.sdge.com/sunrisepowerlink/index.shtml Official SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink web site]
* [http://www.protectourcommunities.org/index.html Protect our communities from SDG&E]
* [http://www.peoplespowerlink.org/ People's Powerlink.org]
* [http://www.supportsunrise.com Community Alliance for the Sunrise Powerlink]
* [http://www.sdsmartenergy.org San Diego Smart Energy Campaign]
* [http://www.sdsmartenergy.com/smart.shmtl San Diego Smart Energy 2020 report]