11. Consistency with Public Utilities Code Section 1002

As discussed above, Pub. Util. Code § 1002 requires the Commission to give consideration to community values, recreational and park areas, historical and aesthetic values, and influence on the environment. Our efforts here represent a balancing of these factors. By selecting S2A/S2 1 we have adopted environmentally superior alternatives identified by our CEQA process. These routes have no impact on recreational and park resources. With respect to historic and aesthetic values, these routes have limited impacts. S2A/S2 does not impact any cultural resources and is underground thus limiting visual impacts. By selecting the proposed Dublin substation location over the D1 alternative, we have selected the route that appears to most closely reflect the values of the community.

In this case we have carefully examined the concerns expressed by residents and local leaders regarding siting of high voltage transmission lines and/or substations in their communities. As described above, we have eliminated the S1 alternative and PG&E's proposed project in Pleasanton, largely based on concerns over impacts to residential neighborhoods. Although the Pleasanton Parties prefer the S2A/S2/S5 alternative over the S2A/S2 alternative, we believe that taken as a whole, the all underground alternative S2A/S2 provides the best long-term solution to the Pleasanton area need for additional transmission capacity. The S2A/S2 alternative has the least visual impacts of the alternatives and although a portion of the route would be located within a roadway that is bordered by residential housing, it provides a sufficient buffer between the transmission line and residences. It also costs less than the S2A/S2/S5 alternative. As we discussed above, the proposed location for the Dublin substation and related transmission lines is the most compatible with community values as reflected by voters in approving the guidelines with which the Dublin Ranch development is consistent. A substation sited at D1 would be incompatible with that development.

Thus we have weighed all the factors required under § 1002 and find that PG&E should be granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the S2A/S2 alternatives identified herein, as well as the proposed Dublin and North Livermore substations and the supporting transmission lines described herein.