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PG&E outlines proposed 230 kV downtown transmission route that may run along Port property
Summary
PG&E representatives described a proposed 230 kV transmission line connecting Potrero and Embarcadero substations; the company flagged a submarine route along Port property as its preferred alternative and said it will submit applications to the California Public Utilities Commission, which will lead environmental review and route selection.
Port staff and PG&E provided an informational briefing on a proposed reliability transmission project to serve downtown San Francisco.
Robert Donovan, senior planner for land and environmental management (presenting with PG&E), described three routing alternatives and said the submarine route through the Bay along Port property currently looks like PG&E’s preferred option because it appears to have fewer construction impacts and strong seismic redundancy. “The submarine right now looks like the preferred alternative for us,” he said, adding that PG&E expects to submit an application to state regulators in the coming weeks and that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be the lead agency for environmental review.
Staff told commissioners the Port would consider entering into a license or lease and a cost‑recovery agreement with PG&E if the company seeks to use Port property. Any negotiations and final routing would be subject to CPUC review and environmental analysis, and the Port will return for authorization if PG&E files an application that contemplates use of Port land.
Commissioners asked when the item might return; staff said timing will be driven by PG&E’s CPUC application but that staff could return as early as September to seek authorization to negotiate terms and a cost‑reimbursement agreement. The presentation made clear that the CPUC retains ultimate route authority and will weigh engineering and environmental feasibility of the alternatives.
Next steps: PG&E to finalize studies and submit to the CPUC; Port staff to engage with PG&E on potential lease/license terms and to request Commission direction if an application contemplates Port property.
