10. EMF Mitigation

The proposed decision requires SCE to undertake low-cost EMF mitigation. However, SCE requests that it not be required to utilize 20-foot taller structures between miles 20.3 and 25.6 of the proposed project route. SCE claims that it has already complied with CPUC Decisions D.06-01-042 and D.93-11-013 by incorporating low-cost EMF reductions into the project design that are as effective or more effective that the CPUC Guidelines (set forth in those decisions) already require and that the additional requirement would be ineffective.

We are disinclined to grant Edison's request at this time. We note that the language of concern to SCE, in Section VI.B. above, states that "SCE should increase tower and conductor heights by 20 feet along any portions of the transmission corridor where there are residences within 50 feet of the side of the right of way closest to the new 500 kV transmission lines." The language above goes on to state: " SCE has established that this design modification would reduce magnetic fields by 15% at the edge of the right of way."

We do not believe that the information on this issue that SCE has presented in its comments on the proposed decision has been subject to the degree of review that is typically accorded in a Commission proceeding. However, if SCE believes that the information included in its Comments provides a sufficient basis for us to change our determination on this issue, we invite SCE to file an Application for Modification to the CPCN that we are granting in this decision.