The Gorman Kern River Project will enhance the safety of Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) sub-transmission system, controlled by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). The project is now in the initial planning phase. SCE anticipates filing a project application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2021. If approved by the CPUC, the project is anticipated to begin construction by the end of 2023.
The project will follow CPUC (GO 95) safety standards and include remediation activities such as replacing existing structures with taller structures, replacing conductor (wire), and increasing conductor ground clearances. Most of the construction will take place in existing rights-of-way to minimize environmental impacts. The estimated project completion date is mid-2025.
The proposed project is located in Kern and Los Angeles counties near the city of Bakersfield. The project route extends an overall length of approximately 72 miles and alignment that runs generally north south between SCE’s Kern River Substation and Gorman Substation, as well as a segment beginning south of the Central Valley community of Arvin that extends east to Monolith Substation.
Prior to construction, crews will be in the area performing survey work and testing. Once construction begins, crews may be performing the following work in your area:
Replacing wood poles with wood, steel or ductile iron poles
Replacing conductors (wires) and associated infrastructure
Establishing temporary construction staging areas for crews and construction equipment, including crane and helicopter pads
Trimming or removing vegetation, when necessary, in and around construction work areas
Maintaining or improving access roads in and around construction
Scheduling temporary street closures, as needed, for safety
Email general project questions or comments to Kerninfo@sce.com.
