ALJ/MEB/gd2/jt2 Date of Issuance 9/28/2011

Decision 11-09-033 September 22, 2011

BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

In the Matter of the Application of Southern California Edison Company (U338E) for a Permit to Construct Electrical Facilities: Leatherneck Substation Project.

Application 11-05-029 (Filed May 25, 2011)

DECISION GRANTING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY
A PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT THE LEATHERNECK SUBSTATION PROJECT

1. Summary

This decision grants Southern California Edison Company (SCE) a permit to construct the Leatherneck Substation Project pursuant to General Order (GO) 131-D. Approval of this Application allows SCE to construct a new substation facility at the United States Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (the Combat Center) in order to accommodate the projected increase in long-term electrical demand of the Combat Center and to enhance the reliability of the access to local electricity source by providing a redundant connection to a secondary substation source.

The existing electrical infrastructure serving the Combat Center operations is insufficient to accommodate planned facility development and growth in the Combat Center's mission. In addition, in the event of a service disruption, the Combat Center has no reliable secondary source.

SCE shall provide to the Commission's Energy Division proof of compliance with the 29 special conservation measures in the Environmental Assessment document issued pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act that address potential impacts to sensitive botanical, sensitive wildlife (other than Desert Tortoise), migratory birds, Desert Tortoise, cultural resources, and water quality. Upon receipt of such proof, the Energy Division shall issue a notice(s) to proceed to SCE as is applicable during various phases of the project.

Besides construction of the new Leatherneck Substation at the Combat Center, the Leatherneck Substation Project also includes related subtransmission line upgrades and electrical upgrades at several existing substations in the Twentynine Palms area. These upgrades will have the added benefit of improving electric system reliability and capacity throughout the area of Twentynine Palms and nearby unincorporated communities.