A proposed $1.6 billion power line stretching across Southern California is drawing growing opposition in Fallbrook, where residents are raising concerns about wildfire risk, the environment and the impact of massive transmission towers on rural communities.
San Diego Gas & Electric’s proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink would build a new 500-kilovolt transmission line stretching roughly 145 miles from the Imperial Valley toward a proposed substation near San Onofre. Several potential routes are under consideration, including one that would pass through or near Fallbrook and other North County communities.
SDG&E says the project is needed to strengthen California’s regional power grid, reduce transmission congestion and move more electricity from areas such as the Imperial Valley to population centers where demand is higher. The utility says the project would also help maintain reliability as California’s energy needs grow…