Wheeler Ridge Junction Project

The need for power in Bakersfield and in Kern County is growing. This project will make the electric system stronger and more reliable.

The project runs from Kern Power Plant in northwest Bakersfield. It goes through southeast Bakersfield to White Lane and Cottonwood. Then it goes south into Kern County near Highway 99 and David Road. It ends at the Wheeler Ridge Substation on Mettler Frontage Road.

Previously known as Bakersfield Power Connect, the project name was changed to Wheeler Ridge Junction Project. The new name reflects a reduced project scope. The reduced scope decreases the length of powerline being rebult. The decreased length is nearly 6 miles (the 115 kV line to Magunden Substation). This project no longer includes work at Magunden Substation.

Work will begin after the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) completes its approval process and issues a permit. We plan to submit a permit application to the CPUC. Timing for the submission will be in early 2026. The CPUC typically takes 12 to 24 months to process the application. We expect work to start in 2028. The work will continue through 2033. The timeline will be updated as the project moves forward.

We will hold a series of open houses this fall to share details about the project. We will then submit our application to the CPUC. The CPUC may or may not select the locations identified by PG&E.