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11/25/08 Council Agenda Item #11
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov Docket #: A.06-08-0 I 0
CPUC PRESIDENT RELEASES ALTERNATE PROPOSED DECISION
IN SUNRISE PROCEEDING
SAN FRANCISCO, November 18, 2008 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today released
an Alternate Proposed Decision by President Michael R. Peevey that approves San Diego Gas and Electric
Company's (SDG&E) construction of the ISO-mile Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Project in order to meet
renewable power goals.
President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision approves the Final Environmentally Superior Southern Route
for the line in order to deliver renewable generation that would otherwise remain unavailable. "It is well
recognized that the lack of transmission is the single biggest barrier to meeting renewable power goals and thus
lowering greenhouse gas emissions," said President Peevey. "My Alternate Proposed Decision clears the way
for a new renewable energy superhighway, allowing us to tap into the Imperial Valley's rich renewable
resources without delay or unnecessary barriers."
President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision follows Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order, signed
yesterday, committing to increase the state's renewable energy goal to 33 percent by 2020 and clear the red tape
for renewable projects. "Investors are lining up to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into developing the
Imperial Valley's renewable potential, bringing high-paying new jobs to the region and clean energy to all
Californians," said President Peevey. "But before they can break ground they need to know that they will be
able to move the energy to market."
President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision finds that the line will generate net benefits of over $125
million per year and is the best way to meet the Governor's goals of achieving greenhouse gas reductions
through renewable procurement at 33 percent levels in the shortest time possible. "It is important to look at this
issue from a statewide, long-term perspective," said President Peevey. "I believe my Alternate Proposed
Decision will facilitate CPUC policy to achieve greenhouse gas reductions in the shortest time possible with the
greatest economic benefits."
President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision will be considered by the CPUC's five Commissioners along
with two other proposals: an Administrative Law Judge Proposed Decision that denies the Sunrise application
and an Alternate Proposed Decision sponsored by Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich that approves, with
conditions, the Southern Route for Sunrise.
President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision is available at: http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/etile/ALT/93956.pdf.
Parties may file comments on President Peevey's Alternate Proposed Decision. The CPUC's first opportunity
to vote on the three proposals is December 18, 2008.
For more information on the CPUC, please visit WWW.CPllC.ca.gov.