3. Requirement for a Permit to Construct (PTC)

GO 131-D defines an electric "power line" as one designed to operate between 50 kilovolt (kV) and 200 kV,¹ 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 CEQA compliance).² 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;³

2. Show compliance with the provisions of CEQA related to the Proposed project, including the requirement to meet various public notice provisions;⁴ 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.⁵

These requirements are discussed separately below.

¹ GO 131-D, Section I.

² GO 131-D, Section IX.B.1.f.

³ GO 131-D, Section IX.B.1.

⁴ GO 131-D, Section IX.B.2-5.

⁵ GO 131-D, Section X.