The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced on Mar. 10 that LS Power Grid California began construction of the Manning Substation in Fresno County last month, following a timely environmental review and approval process.
The project is considered important for increasing transmission capacity in the San Joaquin Valley, supporting renewable energy delivery, and strengthening grid reliability. The CPUC approved the permit for the substation in September 2025, adopting a Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorizing construction of new transmission infrastructure.
“The Manning Substation Project demonstrates that California can permit critical energy infrastructure efficiently while upholding high environmental standards,” said Commissioner Karen Douglas. “This project will provide needed transmission capacity in the San Joaquin Valley to deliver renewable energy, strengthen grid reliability, and support our state’s clean energy goals.”
The project includes building a new 500/230 kilovolt substation in western Fresno County, an approximately 11.5-mile 230 kilovolt transmission line connecting to the existing Tranquility Switching Station, and upgrades to current infrastructure. It was identified as necessary by the California Independent System Operator’s 2021–2022 Transmission Plan to facilitate renewable energy delivery and address system reliability needs.
LS Power Grid California submitted its first Notice to Proceed request on Dec. 19, 2025, confirming compliance with all mitigation measures required by CPUC’s decision. CPUC staff approved this notice on Jan. 16, 2026, allowing construction to begin ahead of schedule. The company credited CPUC’s permitting process for enabling this early start.
High voltage transmission lines like those included in this project are designed to efficiently deliver electricity over long distances and improve reliability during extreme weather events due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures without overheating. According to LS Power Grid California, more than 100 jobs will be created during construction and local property taxes from the project will help fund essential services.
The CPUC described this outcome as an example of how strong coordination and clear regulatory processes can deliver major infrastructure approvals efficiently while maintaining environmental standards.
