5. Requirements for a PTC
GO 131-D defines an electric "power line" as one designed to operate between 50 kV and 200 kV,5 and Section III.B requires utilities to first obtain Commission authorization, in the form of a PTC, before beginning construction of a power line. PTC applications for power lines need not include a detailed analysis of purpose and necessity, a detailed estimate of cost and economic analysis, a detailed schedule, or a detailed description of construction methods (beyond that required for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance).6 However, GO 131-D requires PTC applications to:
1. Include a description of the proposed facilities and related costs, a map, reasons the route was selected, positions of the government agencies having undertaken review of the project, and a PEA;7
2. Show compliance with the provisions of CEQA related to the Proposed Project, including the requirement to meet various public notice provisions;8 and
3. Describe the measures to be taken or proposed by the utility to reduce the potential for exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) generated by the Proposed Project.9
These requirements are discussed separately below.
5 Section I.
6 Section IX.B.1.f.
7 Section IX.B.1.
8 Section IX.B.2-5.
9 Section X.
