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Error: Field cannot be left blank.
Error: Invalid entry. Do not use equal signs [=] or colons [:].
This summary is not available. For more details, open this PDF.
- Still need assistance? Try the Help Center.
- Link accounts. Learn how to link your accounts or access more accounts.
- CARE. Find out if you qualify for a discount.
- Medical Baseline. Learn how to apply.
- Rebates. Explore PG&E rebates for your home.
- Outages. Report and view electric outages.
- Jobs/Careers. Find out about jobs at PG&E.
Project details
We are committed to maintaining electric system safety. As part of this commitment, we are planning to strengthen our electric system in Kern County. These upgrades will help maintain a safer and more reliable system for our customers in Bakersfield and the surrounding area.
What we will be doing
- Build a new electric substation
- Replace and strengthen nearly 27 miles of existing transmission lines
- Upgrade or extend transmission lines to connect the new substation to the existing system
- Replace and upgrade equipment at area substations
Attend an open house
We have hosted a series of open houses and will host two more virtual open houses for customers who want to learn more about the project and the approval process. Check back for updates to our open house schedule:
Please reach out to wrjproject@pge.com if you need an ADA reasonable accommodation to attend these meetings.
Frequently asked questions
The need for power in Bakersfield and in Kern County is growing. This project will modernize our grid to make the electric system stronger and more reliable.
The project takes place on existing transmission lines running from the Kern Power Plant in northwest Bakersfield to the Wheeler Ridge Substation in the south. The route passes through southeast Bakersfield to White Lane and Cottonwood, then continues south into Kern County near Highway 99 and David Road, ending at Wheeler Ridge Substation on Mettler Frontage Road. The proposed site for the new substation is on PG&E-owned land at White Lane and Cottonwood, which is where the existing project transmission lines from the northwest and south meet.
Previously known as Bakersfield Power Connect, the project name was changed to Wheeler Ridge Junction Project to reflect a reduced project scope. The reduced scope decreases the length of transmission lines being rebuilt. The decreased length is nearly 6 miles (the 115 kV line to Magunden Substation). This project no longer includes work at Magunden Substation.
We expect work to start in 2028. The work will continue through approximately 2034. The timeline will be updated as the project moves forward.
We will hold two virtual open houses to share details about the project.
How this work will benefit you
- Improve reliability for more than 115,000 homes and businesses
- Increase capacity to meet the region's current and future energy demands
- Strengthen the electrical system by replacing aging infrastructure with new, stronger equipment
Additional resources
Before you dig know what's below
Call Underground Service Alert (USA) at 811 at least two working days before you dig.
Contact us
Phone: 1-800-274-1551
Email: wrjproject@pge.com
This website and the messages contained in its webpages are funded by customers unless otherwise noted.
©2026 Pacific Gas and Electric Company
©2026 Pacific Gas and Electric Company