Central Valley Power Connect (Power Connect) is a new transmission line being proposed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), MidAmerican Transmission and Citizens Energy Corporation. The California Independent System Operator, a nonprofit public benefit corporation, selected this team to finance, build, own, operate and maintain the new line following a competitive bid process in 2013. Power
Connect will provide significant benefits to the local community, including future electric reliability and several hundred new jobs during construction. In addition, the project will support the delivery of clean, renewable energy and ensure the continued maximization of the Helms Pumped Storage Facility, a unique hydroelectric resource capable of serving approximately 900,000 average homes. The Power Connect project is in the planning stages, and a final route has not yet been identified. Depending on the route selected, the line will span approximately 70 miles to connect the Gates Substation in Fresno County to the Gregg Substation in Madera County. The Power Connect team is currently gathering public input on the project and plans to submit an application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in late 2015. If approved by the CPUC, Power Connect is scheduled to be in service by 2020.
