An Administrative Law Judge of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued a proposed decision that could greenlight the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (RTRP), dismissing the objections raised by the City of Norco. The judge's report underscores the critical nature of the RTRP for enhancing Riverside's electrical grid connectivity and resilience, stating, "The project is deemed essential for the reliability and safety of electricity supply in Riverside."
The RTRP, a collaborative effort between Riverside Public Utilities and Southern California Edison, aims to establish a new high-voltage transmission line to secure a secondary power source for the city, enhancing its capacity to handle future growth and prevent potential blackouts. The RTRP has faced considerable opposition, particularly regarding the planned overhead power lines.
The judge's proposal is the latest milestone on RTRP's journey, potentially clearing a path for the project's progression after years of debate and study. This recommendation will go before the full CPUC for a final decision no earlier than March 21, 2024.
