Northern San Joaquin Power Connect

Northern San Joaquin Power Connect is a new electric transmission project proposed for the northern portion of San Joaquin County. The project will bring two new transmission sources to the region, providing increased reliability and efficiency for more than 50,000 households and businesses in Stockton, Lodi, Lockeford, Victor, Acampo and Thornton. This investment will help promote a strong commercial environment that attracts and retains a diverse group of employers and industries in the area and supports the region's growing wine industry. At this time, the California Independent System Operator, which is responsible for operating and managing California's energy grid, has informed PG&E that it is reassessing projects throughout California, including Northern San Joaquin Power Connect.

n 2012, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which manages the State's electric grid, identified a need for new transmission in the region to connect PG&E's existing Lockeford and 8 Mile substations with Lodi Electric Utility's Fred M. Reid Industrial Substation. The CAISO found that as the area's population and economy continues to grow, new infrastructure is needed to help ensure electric reliability and prevent potential overload concerns that could lead to low voltages for industrial users and an increased risk of outages. The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), which is responsible for operating and managing California's energy grid, has informed PG&E that it is reassessing projects throughout California, including Northern San Joaquin Power Connect.

A proposed location for the project has not yet been determined. At this time, the California Independent System Operator, which is responsible for operating and managing California's energy grid, has informed PG&E that it is reassessing projects throughout California, including Northern San Joaquin Power Connect. The reassessment will focus on the project options PG&E has identified thus far and may consider other energy infrastructure improvements as potential solutions.

PG&E is dedicated to minimizing impacts to the environment and local community. Our process includes a comprehensive community outreach program and thorough assessment of environmental issues. Prior to CAISO's reassessment, potential corridors were identified based on the following considerations:

• Impacts to local communities;
• Conflicts with established infrastructure and land uses;
• Effects on agricultural operations;
• Sensitive resource and habitat areas;
• Cost considerations;
• Length of new transmission line; and
• Constructability and engineering conflicts.

The corridors we presented to the public were refined based on community input and information gathered from field studies. The CAISO and PG&E staff will work together to determine whether the proposed project or other energy infrastructure improvements are the best way to meet the region’s current and projected energy needs.

PG&E is dedicated to planning, constructing and operating the project in a manner that minimizes impacts to the environment and local community. We are working to obtain input from farmers, growers, land owners, businesses, residents and other stakeholders in the project area to help identify and minimize impacts. When developing project alternatives, we work with applicable local, state and federal agencies, as well as environmental organizations, to ensure the project is planned in a manner that minimizes, and where possible, avoids environmental impacts and complies with applicable standards and requirements.

The anticipated timeline for the project, including when we will submit the project application to the CPUC, has been delayed and will be reassessed after the CAISO has finished its evaluation. We are unsure how long the reassessment process will take.

The California Independent System Operator, which is responsible for operating and managing California's energy grid, is currently reassessing projects throughout California, including Northern San Joaquin Power Connect. The CAISO's reassessment will ensure the proposed project meets current electric demand forecasts and minimizes costs to customers. The reassessment will focus on the project options PG&E has identified thus far and may consider other energy infrastructure improvements as potential solutions. We are unsure how long this process will take.