5. Requirements for a PTC

GO 131-D, Section I, defines an electric "power line" as one designed to operate between 50 and 200kV.  Section III.B of GO 131-D requires utilities to first obtain Commission authorization, in the form of a PTC, before beginning construction of a power line.

Under GO 131-D, Section IX.B.1.f, 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).  PTC applications must, however:

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 Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA). (Section IX.B.1);

2) show compliance with the provisions of CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq.) related to the proposed project, including the requirement to meet various public notice provisions (Section IX.B.2-5); 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 (Section X).

These requirements are discussed separately below.