Dive Brief:
- Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), MidAmerican Transmission and Citizens Energy Corp. will collaborate to build and operate a 70-mile, 230-kV transmission line in the Central Valley of California.
- The new line, approved by the California Independent System Operator after a competitive bidding process, will address growing power needs in the greater Fresno area, reduce the duration of power outages and bolster the integration of wind energy.
Dive Insight:
While PG&E and MidAmerican are established power sector players, Citizens Energy is an interesting partner in the project. Founded by Joseph Kennedy II in 1979 as a venture to trade and import oil from Latin America and Africa for needy families, the company also has invested in the development of San Diego Gas & Electric's 500-mile, $1.9 billion Sunrise Powerlink project. Citizens will use 50% of the profits from the line to help low-income families weatherize their homes.