ANALYSIS OF TRANSMISSION LINE INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - A CRITICAL CONGESTION AREA - LOOKING AT THE PROPOSED SUNRISE POWERLINK PROJECT
ANALYSIS OF TRANSMISSION LINE INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - A CRITICAL CONGESTION AREA - LOOKING AT THE PROPOSED SUNRISE POWERLINK PROJECT
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Issue Date
2006
Authors
Buss, Eric
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Abstract
Southern California is facing a growing energy problem. As the population continues to grow, the current outdated systems will be unable to handle the required load. Transmission alternatives, congestion mitigation, feasibility, topography and power flows, environmental and economic impacts, and forecasting performance assumptions are all underlying issues that face the State Legislature and the state’s utility companies.
In this paper, three proposals will be summarized, but the concentration will be on the Sunrise Powerlink Project, which offers the best solution to the state’s goals of providing cheaper renewable energy solutions. The team will analyze the extensive application and documentation submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in support of the transmission line proposal. The other proposals are those of the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pump Station Project (LEAPS), and the Tehachapi Project.
Our team will discuss the Sunrise Powerlink Project’s background, as well as analyze the Project study process, purpose and need, the description, public input and participation, recommendations, reliability and economic benefit assessment, feasibility and environmental issues and impacts. Our discussion will include past lessons learned from blackouts, transmission congestion, related costs and aging power plants and how this project can minimize and potentially prevent the expected shortfall of energy reliability forecasted for the year 2010.
Due to its impact, economically, environmentally, socially and regulatory, the Sunrise Powerlink Project should meet the need for the renewables goal of 20 percent by 2010.