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BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Order Instituting Investigation Into Implementation of Assembly Bill 970 Regarding the Identification of Electric Transmission and Distribution Constraints, Actions to Resolve Those Constraints, Actions to Resolve Those Constraints, and Related Matters Affecting the Reliability of Electric Supply.

Investigation 00-11-001

ASSIGNED COMMISSIONER'S RULING REGARDING
PATH 15 TRANSMISSION CONSTRAINTS

Over this past year, it has become increasingly clear that constraints on the transmission of power between northern and southern California have compromised electric reliability and the ability to dispatch lowest cost power. The Energy Division's report on transmission constraints identified constraints on Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E's) Path 15 as the transmission constraint on PG&E's system that contributed most to "major reliability problems in the past year" and "likely to continue to cause problems in 2002." (Relieving Transmission Constraints, February 13, 2001, page 9.) Further, that while new generation resources may have an impact on the cost-effectiveness of transmission system upgrades, the volatility of wholesale electricity markets suggests that relieving constraints on major transmission paths is an economic insurance policy. (Id., p. 12) I am concerned that the Commission act expeditiously to evaluate the need for, and environmental impacts of, relieving this transmission constraint.

Therefore, it is necessary for the Commission to pursue relieving the constraints on Path 15 now to ensure electric service reliability and lowest cost dispatch. In pursuit of this objective, PG&E shall file a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) not later than April 13, 2001, to upgrade the portion of Path 15 between Los Banos and Gates substations. The Commission will evaluate the CPCN consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act.

I recognize that Phase 2 of this proceeding, in the near term, was to focus on preliminary scenario analysis related to constraints on transmitting power to California from the Southwestern United States, and between northern and southern California. However, at this time, I regard that an appropriate approach for constraints on transmitting power to California from the Southwestern United States, but not for relieving constraints on transmitting power between northern and southern California along Path 15.

IT IS SO RULED.

Dated March 29, 2001, at San Francisco, California.

   

/s/ LORETTA M. LYNCH

   

Loretta M. Lynch

Assigned Commissioner

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that I have both by mail and by electronic mail this day served a true copy of the original attached Assigned Commissioner's Ruling Regarding Path 15 Transmission Constraints on all parties of record in this proceeding or their attorneys of record.

Dated March 29, 2001, at San Francisco, California.

NOTICE

Parties should notify the Process Office, Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Ness Avenue, Room 2000, San Francisco, CA 94102, of any change of address to insure that they continue to receive documents. You must indicate the proceeding number on the service list on which your name appears.

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The Commission's policy is to schedule hearings (meetings, workshops, etc.) in locations that are accessible to people with disabilities. To verify that a particular location is accessible, call: Calendar Clerk (415) 703-1203.

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