Clean Energy for California

"Without major transmission infrastructure investment, California will not be able to reap the benefits of some of the state's most promising areas for renewable generation: the Tehachapi and Imperial Valley areas."

- California Energy Commission 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report

California's efforts to combat climate change and reduce polluting greenhouse gas emissions will require all of us to do our part to conserve more and use less. Simple conservation measures such as using energy efficient compact florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs in our homes and businesses is a smart and easy way to save money and protect the environment. But more is still needed.

A cleaner energy future for California requires more renewable solar and wind energy power and less electricity from traditional power plants. In fact, by the year 2010, California utilities like San Diego Gas & Electric must derive 20% of their energy supplies from clean, renewable resources. And California's historic legislation to cut greenhouse gas emissions that was recently passed could require SDG&E purchase 33% of its power supplies from clean energy sources by 2020!

The Sunrise Powerlink is one part of a comprehensive plan to reduce California's reliance on fossil-fuels and fight climate change. The Imperial Valley, just east of San Diego, is home to vast supplies of untapped renewable energy including wind, solar and geothermal. At the moment, however, there are limited options to access this clean energy and link it into the Southern California power grid. The Sunrise Powerlink, once completed, will expand access to these energy sources and help California meet its aggressive goals for renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.