PG&E, MidAmerican Transmission, Citizens Energy Corporation to develop 70-mile electric transmission line

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), MidAmerican Transmission, LLC (MidAmerican Transmission) and Citizens Energy Corporation (Citizens Energy) have been chosen by the California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) to develop, own and operate a new transmission line in the Central Valley region of California. 

The 230-kilovolt (kV) line will span about 70 miles across Fresno, Madera and Kings counties, running from the Gates to Gregg substations, which are owned and operated by PG&E. Approved by the ISO to address the growing power demand in the greater Fresno area, the new line will help reduce the number and duration of power outages, create jobs and support economic development, and bolster efforts to integrate clean, renewable energy onto the grid. The transmission line would be operational no later than 2022, and could come on line earlier. 

"This new transmission line not only will enable PG&E to safely, reliably and affordably serve our customers in the Central Valley, it will create new much needed jobs in the region," said Geisha Williams, executive vice president of electric operations at PG&E. "The greater Fresno area is recognized nationally as a leader in agricultural business, and PG&E is pleased to partner with MidAmerican Transmission and Citizens Energy to modernize the region's electric system in order to enhance California's long-term economic vitality."

"Today's energy infrastructure is adapting to meet the demands for greater renewable sources, while continuing the reliable service to customers," said John Cupparo, president, MidAmerican Transmission. "This collaboration with PG&E and Citizens Energy is evidence of MidAmerican Transmission's continued investment to ensure that California's energy infrastructure keeps pace with these evolving demands."

"We're proud to work with PG&E and MidAmerican Transmission on this terrific project and look forward to sharing the benefits of our work with the low-income families of the Central Valley," said Citizens Energy Chairman and President Joseph P. Kennedy II. 

The ISO approved the project during its annual Transmission Planning Process in March. The ISO chose the consortium of PG&E, MidAmerican Transmission and Citizens Energy over four other qualified bidders in a competitive process. The project is the second to be approved under new ISO rules that require certain new transmission projects be subject to competition.

The project will need to undergo an approval process through the California Public Utilities Commission. PG&E, MidAmerican Transmission and Citizens Energy will work collaboratively with local stakeholders to determine the optimal routing of the line as part of the approval process.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 15 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/ and www.pgecurrents.com.

MidAmerican Transmission, a wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, is engaged in the development of electric transmission facilities. MidAmerican Transmission has invested in transmission in several regions in the U.S. and is evaluating opportunities to further develop electric transmission facilities in organized and traditional markets in the U.S. and Canada. MidAmerican Transmission has formed a subsidiary, MidAmerican Central California Transco, to participate in the consortium. Additional information about MidAmerican Transmission is available at www.midamericantransmission.com.

Through its subsidiaries, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company provides electric and natural gas service to more than 7 million customers worldwide, operates an extensive 18,000-mile electric transmission system, a natural gas local distribution system, and interstate natural gas pipeline systems totaling nearly 17,000 miles. Learn more at www.midamerican.com.

Citizens Energy Corporation was launched in 1979 by Joseph P. Kennedy II to use revenues from successful oil industry ventures to help lower the cost of heating for senior citizens and low-income families suffering from the petroleum price shocks of the time. The non-profit company expanded operations into the natural gas and electric power industries, all the while using its profits to help the poor. In addition, Citizens Energy started successful ventures in the pharmaceutical drug and health care fields, lowering the costs of life-saving drugs and medical care for ordinary working families. While still providing heating assistance in 26 states, Citizens has launched innovative wind, solar, and transmission businesses to help make life's basic needs more affordable for the poor.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)