Project Overview

Imperial Valley – North of SONGS Project 

The proposed Imperial Valley – North of SONGS (San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station) project entails a new approximately 140-mile, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and 500/230-kV substation.

The transmission line would span portions of Imperial, San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties while a new substation would be built south of San Clemente. Together, they would provide a cost-effective, reliable supply of renewable energy from California’s Imperial Valley region to power homes and businesses in Southern California. 

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the regional transmission organization, selected Horizon West Transmission as the project sponsor to finance, construct, own, operate and maintain the Imperial Valley – North of SONGS project. It is part of a portfolio of transmission projects that CAISO has identified as necessary to meet the future needs of the region’s electric grid.

Horizon West is developing a detailed environmental assessment to evaluate proposed routes, which will be shaped by input from a wide range of stakeholders. As an existing utility in California, Horizon West has experience working closely with local California communities, landowners and key stakeholders. Horizon West understands an ongoing community dialogue will be instrumental to the success of the project. 

Overall, the Imperial Valley – North of SONGS project would help California meet its clean energy goals and ensure California customers have reliable electricity as energy demands increase. The transmission line and substation are anticipated to be in service by 2034.