COM/CXW/mnt ALTERNATE/DRAFT H-4a

4/4/02

Agenda ID #161

Decision ALTERNATE DECISION OF COMMISSIONER WOOD

(Mailed 11/21/01)

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

In the Matter of the Application of Southern California Edison Company (U 338 E) for Authority to Lease Available Land at Walnut Substation to Power Storage Industry II, LLC.

Application 01-07-036 (Filed July 27, 2001)

OPINION

1. Summary

Southern California Edison Company (SCE) seeks authority to lease to Power Storage Industry II, LLC (Power Storage) a 5.7-acre site located on a portion of SCE's Walnut 220/12-kilovolt (kV) substation in the City of Industry. Power Storage would develop a self-storage facility on the site, a use that SCE states will not interfere with its utility operations. We deny the application, without prejudice, for failure to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act.

2. Background

The 5.7-acre site is used by SCE for aboveground transmission and distribution lines.¹ SCE acquired the land in three transactions that took place between 1955 and 1960. The book value of the 5.7 acres is $25,625.30. The site and an additional 3 acres have been licensed to Michael Craig for horticultural use since 1997, but the temporary agreement for that use will expire on October 2, 2001. SCE proposes to lease the 5.7 acres to Power Storage for development and operation of a self-storage facility. SCE would continue to own and operate its transmission and distribution facilities, and it would retain unobstructed access to the site. Revenue from the lease would be shared with SCE's ratepayers.