
Sunrise Powerlink, proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), is a 117-mile 500-kV transmission line designed to carry renewable energy from El Centro to San Diego, California. The project includes a 6.2 mile 230 kV segment and a new 500 kV substation. The projected project cost is estimated at $1.9 billion. Construction on the project was started in 2010. In June of 2012, the project went operational — 6 months faster than the original 24 month construction time frame. During the past 3 years, SDG&E signed 8 renewable energy agreements with solar and wind companies in the Imperial Valley accounting for 1,000 MWs of capacity. The project will help battle climate change and keep greenhouse gas emissions in check by connecting San Diego to renewable energy supplies located east of San Diego. The project will also provide economic benefits to the region and increase substantially the amount of renewable energy within the SDG&E system during the coming years.