SDG&E, project foes to outline arguments

By Craig D. Rose, Staff Writer
San Diego Union-Tribune July 7, 2007

The debate over the Sunrise Powerlink shifts to a formal setting next week, as state utility regulators begin three weeks of hearings into the $1.3 billion proposal from San Diego Gas & Electric Co.

Witnesses at those sessions are restricted to a selected group of experts - both supporters and opponents - with the public limited to an observer role.

Experts said Monday morning's session might be the most interesting for the general public, as the schedule calls for SDG&E and the project's opponents to make opening statements in which they outline their arguments regarding the project.

The sessions will be overseen by an administrative law judge from the California Public Utilities Commission, which plans to rule on the transmission proposal by early next year.

"What we want to do is lay out our case and prove to the PUC that Sunrise is the only project that can improve reliability, expand access to renewable energy and lower energy costs for our customers," said Jennifer Briscoe, a spokeswoman for SDG&E.

Michael Shames, executive director of the Utility Consumers' Action Network, which opposes the project, will make the argument that Sunrise is unneeded and too expensive, as well as environmentally damaging.

"The first two hours will have statement from the parties, similar to the opening arguments of a trial," Shames said.

First proposed by SDG&E late in 2005, the 150-mile-long Sunrise transmission line would begin in Imperial County, cross Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and then cut through a number of North County communities.

SDG&E says the link will help guarantee electric reliability by providing an additional major power line into the region, while also creating a pathway for electricity from the solar and geothermal projects expected to be developed in Imperial County.

Critics counter that electricity from renewable-energy projects could be more cheaply brought here by upgrading existing power lines and that reliability would be better improved by developing electricity resources within San Diego County, as well as through greater conservation.

The Sierra Club and other environmental groups also say that running Sunrise through an established state park would set a bad precedent.

The environmental group and other opponents plan to rally outside the hearing Monday, which is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the County Administration Building on Pacific Highway.

Greg Park, policy coordinator for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he would be at the hearing to show support for the Sunrise Powerlink. He said the project will lead to cost savings for utility customers.