Santa Clara Council approves eminent domain for Silicon Valley Power transmission line project

In a pivotal meeting on June 24, 2025, the Santa Clara City Council convened to address significant infrastructure developments, particularly focusing on the Silicon Valley Power (SVP) 115 kV transmission line project. This initiative aims to enhance the city's electrical capacity and reliability, responding to the growing demands of local data centers and residential areas.

The council discussed the necessity of acquiring property interests at two key locations: 3800 Bassett Street and 891 Laurelwood Road. Both properties are essential for the construction of a new overhead transmission line, which will extend approximately 2.24 miles from the northern receiving station to the Keifer receiving station. The project is crucial for accommodating anticipated load growth, as it will increase the system's operating limit from 819 megawatts to 1,300 megawatts.

During the meeting, Ali Jackman, the electric division manager for SVP, outlined the project's progress, noting that it is currently 60% complete. The council has previously approved environmental assessments and route selections, emphasizing the least impact on residents and businesses. However, negotiations with property owners have reached an impasse, prompting the need for a resolution of necessity to initiate eminent domain proceedings.

The council unanimously approved the resolution for the Bassett Street property, allowing the city to proceed with acquiring the necessary easements. This decision reflects the city's commitment to ensuring reliable power delivery while balancing the interests of property owners. The council also expressed intentions to continue negotiations with the property owners in hopes of reaching voluntary agreements.

As the meeting progressed, the council prepared to address the Laurelwood Road property in a similar manner, reiterating the importance of the transmission line project for the community's future energy needs. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of infrastructure development in urban settings, where balancing public utility needs with private property rights remains a complex issue.

In conclusion, the council's actions signal a proactive approach to enhancing Santa Clara's electrical infrastructure, ensuring that the city can meet future demands while navigating the intricacies of property acquisition. The anticipated next steps include continued negotiations with property owners and further public hearings as the project moves forward.