120-Mile-Long Power Line Draws Opposition

SAN DIEGO -- A highly debated power line intended to run through parts of San Diego County drew opposition from hundreds of people at a hearing held in Ramona by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Some 400 people attended Tuesday's hearing, and most of them were opposed to San Diego Gas and Electric's proposed 120-mile-long, 500-kilovolt power line, which would connect energy sources in the Imperial Valley to San Diego County.

PUC commissioner Dian Grueneich said that by week's end she would post a list of questions she has about SDG&E's procedural requests on the PUC Website and that the commission would accept comments and answers until Feb. 17.

After that, Grueneich said that she or a judge will rule on SDG&E's request to proceed with reviewing the need for the power line before the utility submits a final route for it.

Although an exact route has not been designated, it appears the line would start in Imperial County and cross the northern backcountry of San Diego County, affecting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Cleveland National Forest and possibly the communities of Ranchita and Warner Springs.

SDG&E says its $1.4 billion Sunrise Powerlink is needed to ensure an adequate supply of electricity for the region. It hopes to have it built by 2010.