Through statewide transmission planning processes, CAISO, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) identified the need for Golden Pacific Powerlink. These agencies evaluate statewide transmission needs to manage the flow of electricity across most of California.

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high‑voltage, long‑distance transmission system that serves about 80 percent of California. Through its statewide transmission planning process, CAISO identified the need for Golden Pacific Powerlink and determined the general area where the line must be located to meet system reliability and grid needs.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is a utility company that provides electricity and natural gas service in San Diego and Orange Counties and was selected through CAISO’s competitive solicitation process to build and operate the project. SDG&E is now working within CAISO’s framework to determine a specific route, which will ultimately be reviewed and approved by state and federal agencies.

CAISO has already determined the need for the project and identified the start and end points for the transmission line. SDG&E is refining a conceptual route that emerged from CAISO’s competitive solicitation process.

Routing alternatives will be evaluated as part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review processes. Analysis under other applicable laws will also take place. Community feedback is an important part of these processes and will help identify issues and potential alternatives for further study.

Any alternative route must still meet the project objectives established by CAISO. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is the agency responsible for approving the final route.

Golden Pacific Powerlink is in an early planning and design phase. The project is building on the route framework identified through CAISO’s competitive solicitation process, which established the need for the line and its general start and end points.

SDG&E is currently doing preliminary engineering and design work to refine a preliminary proposed route. This work is needed so state and federal agencies can review the project and determine whether it can move forward.

At the same time, SDG&E is sharing information and gathering early community feedback. Input received now helps identify issues that may be studied further as part of the formal environmental review process required before any construction can begin.

Check out the Connecting with Communities page on this site for more information on how to get involved.

Golden Pacific Powerlink will be reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These laws require state and federal agencies to study the potential environmental effects of the project, consider reasonable alternatives, and identify measures to reduce impacts where feasible.

CEQA and NEPA focus on understanding and disclosing potential impacts so decision‑makers and the public are informed before approvals are made. The process includes opportunities for public input and review, but it does not predetermine the final project design or guarantee that all impacts can be avoided.

No construction can begin unless the required environmental reviews are completed and the appropriate agencies approve the project.

Learn more about CEQA.

This website provides project updates, documents, and opportunities to participate. Visitors can review materials, watch recordings of open houses, and submit questions or comments to the project team.

Additional engagement opportunities will continue throughout planning and environmental review. The project team will be available to answer questions at each stage.

You can also contact us directly through our project phone line or email address at the bottom of this page.

Transmission projects that provide statewide benefits are paid for by electricity customers across California within CAISO’s balancing authority area.

Based on current load figures, SDG&E customers are expected to pay approximately 9% of the project cost, with the remainder paid by other California customers. Rate impacts are not yet known. SDG&E’s transmission rates are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which reviews project costs to ensure they are just and reasonable.

Golden Pacific Powerlink supports statewide grid reliability while bringing regional benefits, including improved energy reliability during high‑demand periods and emergencies such as heat waves or wildfires.

The project is expected to create good‑paying construction jobs and support local economic activity in San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and surrounding counties.