Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Project
SDG&E operates and maintains a network of electric facilities located within the Cleveland National Forest (CNF). In connection with our prior application for a Master Special Use Permit (MSUP) to operate and maintain facilities within the CNF, we've worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to develop a series of projects and activities aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of existing facilities within and near the CNF. Collectively, these projects and activities are commonly referred to as the “Master Special Use Permit (MSUP) and Permit to Construct (PTC) the Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Projects.”
These projects will enhance safety and reliability by replacing existing electric infrastructure that currently serves the USFS, emergency service facilities, campgrounds, homes, businesses and other customers within the CNF and surrounding areas.
The proposed projects, as outlined in the USFS’s Draft Record of Decision, include the replacement of nine 12- and 69-kilovolt (kV) electric facilities spread throughout an approximately 880-square-mile area in eastern San Diego County. The existing electric lines also extend outside of CNF boundaries. The Draft Record of Decision also calls for the removal from service of TL 626, replacing it with reconstruction of TL 6931 and relocated Circuit 157 outside of designated wilderness areas.
Benefits
The projects include rebuilding five existing 69-kilovolt (kV) power lines and six 12-kV distribution lines. Benefits include:
- Replacing approximately 2,100 existing wood poles with fire-resistant, weatherized steel poles that closely resemble wood
- Providing real-time weather monitoring
- Enhancing safety and reliability of the electric transmission and distribution system in and around the CNF
- Being designed to minimize environmental impacts during construction
- Combining more than 70 individual permits for operating and maintaining electric facilities on CNF land into one Master Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
Certain construction activities require state and/or federal agency approval. We've submitted an application to the USFS in connection with existing facilities located within CNF. We also filed a consolidated permit to construct application with the CPUC. The CPUC’s Energy Division and USFS issued a joint draft environmental impact report/statement (DEIR/DEIS) in the Cleveland National Forest master special use permit, and permit to construct power line replacement applications on September 5, 2015.
The CPUC and USFS issued the final DEIR/DEIS in June 2015. he USFS issued a draft record of decision on March 11, 2016. The final EIR/EIS, USFS record of decision and supporting documents may be downloaded on http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/environment/info/dudek/CNF/CNF.htm#environmentalimpactstatementreport
We received approval on our permit to construct and project construction will take place in phases over a three- to five-year period.
Current notices of construction
Starting May/June/July 2020
Starting March/April 2020
Starting January/February 2020
Starting November/December 2019
Starting July/August 2019
Starting June/July 2019
Starting April/May 2019
Starting March/April 2019
Starting Dec 2018/Jan 2019
Starting Sept/Oct 2018
Look at the map to see planned and unplanned outages in SDG&E's service area.
More Information
Contact SDG&E Regional Public Affairs Manager Todd Voorhees.
- 1-844-765-6388
- [email protected]