the ability to interconnect the possible LEAPS project to SCE’s system is an overriding consideration meriting approval of the Alberhill project. CEQA and Pub. Util. Code § 1001 require us to weigh the uncertain and relatively modest projected need for the Alberhill project against its certain significant and unavoidable impacts on aesthetics. We also take note of the Alberhill project cost of $464 million or more. Because we find it likely that the Alberhill project will not be needed, at all or in any case by 2021, we do not find overriding considerations that merit its approval at this time. This decision denies the Alberhill project without prejudice. If new or updated information demonstrates a need for the Alberhill project, SCE may submit a new application for the development of the project, in compliance with Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure and General Order 131-D and other applicable regulations. In a new application, SCE should supplement the statement of facts and reasons why the public convenience and necessity require the proposed facilities including but not limited to: Load forecast including industry accepted methods for estimating load growth and incorporating load reduction programs due to energy efficiency, demand response, and behind-the-meter generation; Identification of all subtransmission planning areas in the SCE system with similar reliability issues; A planning study that supports the project need and includes applicable planning criteria and reliability standards; An analysis of several years of electric reliability performance for the Valley systems to demonstrate existing customer service level; An analysis of outages over the past 5 years by root cause for the Valley South systems in comparison to SCE system average and to other subtransmission radial systems;
the ability to interconnect the possible LEAPS project to SCE’s system is an overriding consideration meriting approval of the Alberhill project. CEQA and Pub. Util. Code § 1001 require us to weigh the uncertain and relatively modest projected need for the Alberhill project against its certain significant and unavoidable impacts on aesthetics. We also take note of the Alberhill project cost of $464 million or more. Because we find it likely that the Alberhill project will not be needed, at all or in any case by 2021, we do not find overriding considerations that merit its approval at this time. This decision denies the Alberhill project without prejudice. If new or updated information demonstrates a need for the Alberhill project, SCE may submit a new application for the development of the project, in compliance with Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure and General Order 131-D and other applicable regulations. In a new application, SCE should supplement the statement of facts and reasons why the public convenience and necessity require the proposed facilities including but not limited to: Load forecast including industry accepted methods for estimating load growth and incorporating load reduction programs due to energy efficiency, demand response, and behind-the-meter generation; Identification of all subtransmission planning areas in the SCE system with similar reliability issues; A planning study that supports the project need and includes applicable planning criteria and reliability standards; An analysis of several years of electric reliability performance for the Valley systems to demonstrate existing customer service level; An analysis of outages over the past 5 years by root cause for the Valley South systems in comparison to SCE system average and to other subtransmission radial systems;
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