Approved in 2023. Temecula found out in 2026.
The project cleared its key planning milestones years before the community was notified. Here's the sequence — and the upcoming dates where public input still matters most.
- Happened
CAISO approves the project
The California Independent System Operator identifies and approves the line in its annual Transmission Plan — years before any Temecula resident is told.
- Happened
SDG&E takes the project on
SDG&E assumes responsibility to build, own, and operate the new 500 kV line between Imperial Valley and a new substation north of SONGS.
- Happened
Temecula first hears about it
The City starts receiving emails from SDG&E and its hired PR firm. The project website's initial graphic did not even show the line running through Riverside County.
- Happened
Towers may exceed 200 feet
On a Zoom call, SDG&E engineers indicate the steel lattice towers — already planned at 180–200 ft — may stand even taller.
- Happened
Virtual open houses
SDG&E holds online open houses as part of its early community outreach phase.
- Now
City Council presentation
Temecula city staff present what they've gathered to the City Council — the public accounting that anchors much of this site's research.
- Upcoming
In-person open houses
SDG&E's outreach continues with in-person sessions ahead of its regulatory filing.
- Upcoming
CPUC filing
SDG&E files its application with the California Public Utilities Commission — expected to include the project's official cost figure. This opens the formal proceeding where public comment becomes part of the record.
- Upcoming
State & federal permitting
Environmental review under CEQA/NEPA and the CPUC's certification process — the window where opposition and alternative routes carry the most weight.
- Upcoming
Construction
If approved, construction would begin — 21 towers and 84 concrete footings across more than 5 miles of Temecula Creek.
- Upcoming
Targeted commercial operation
SDG&E's target date for the new transmission line to begin service.