Temecula residents have expressed concerns about a proposed power line project that would stretch across much of the city.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) introduced a proposal for the Golden Pacific Powerlink, which would stretch 144 miles of extra high voltage transmission lines through the city and several counties. The utility company said the project’s purpose is to strengthen California’s growing demand for a better regional power network.
Although the project is currently a proposal and not definite, some residents say it would be an eyesore for the valley.
“It will be a significant distraction, to say the least,” Temecula resident David Marlowe said. “I can easily envision 200 towers out here with the wires strung from tower to tower.”
On Tuesday, hundreds of families packed Temecula City Hall as SDG&E continued to advocate for the project.
“This project came out of the state of California’s transmission planning process,” said Erica Martin, the Director of Project Development. “The need has been through lots of development from state agencies. Ultimately, it’s the California Independent System Operator who identified the need for it.”
According to SDG&E, the Golden Pacific Powerlink project would run from Temecula through the Anza Borrego State Park and through Riverside and San Diego Counties. It’s intended to help maintain reliable electric service during high-demand periods or emergencies, such as heat waves or wildfires and create jobs.
“We are looking towards the future, and we know places like Riverside County, we know residential and industrial demand for electricity is going to continue to grow and as a state, we must figure out how we can bring more electricity to the system,” Martin said.
The concerns for many are that the 200-foot towers would run across much of the wine country that depends heavily on tourism.
“We are built off the natural feel of the rolling hills and vineyards coming down,” said Raymond Murgo, the Director of Hospitality for Falkner Winery. “Putting something like a 100-foot tower to block that view or diminish that integrity wouldn’t be something people want to come see.”
If approved, SDG&E is projecting a 2032 completion for the project. Right now, it’s seeking community input.
It’s unclear how much the Golden Pacific Powerlink project would cost.
For more information on the project, click here.