SDG&E has released three alternative routes for the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink, and the new options are drawing more pushback from communities along the possible transmission corridor, according to East County Magazine.

The planned 500-kilovolt line would run roughly 135 to 145 miles from Imperial County toward a new substation near the San Diego-Orange County line. East County Magazine reported that SDG&E says the project is needed for grid security and future growth, while opponents object to the scale, route and wildfire concerns tied to 150- to 200-foot transmission towers.

The newly released alternatives include an Imperial Valley West route, a Montezuma Grade route and a South Mountain route. Community groups in areas including Palomar Mountain, Borrego Springs, Temecula, Fallbrook and Warner Springs have raised objections, with concerns ranging from wildfire evacuation risk to impacts on parks, viewsheds, tourism and private property.

The County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear the item Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the County Administration Building in San Diego. The Powerlink presentation is item 25 on the agenda, and public comments are expected both in person and remotely.

While the line would not run through Santee, the debate matters across East County because it touches the same questions residents face with utility infrastructure, wildfire risk and who bears the cost of regional energy projects. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, construction is projected to begin in 2029, with completion expected in the early-to-mid 2030s.