New Opposition To Proposed SDG&E Powerlink Transmission Line From Tourism, Wineries

TEMECULA, CA — More Temecula Valley representatives are joining the opposition to the proposed route through Riverside County for the San Diego Gas & Electric Golden Pacific Powerlink project, this time in the tourism and wine industry.

Both Visit Temecula Valley and the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association have issued their joint position opposing the selected pathway for the 190-foot-tall towers and the 145-mile-long high-powered transmission lines, citing "irreversible damage to regional tourism, agricultural preservation, and public safety" if the route through Temecula Valley is selected.

"The proposed 500-kilovolt overhead transmission line is currently slated to cut directly through iconic Southwest Riverside County corridors, including areas near state Route 79 South, Vail Lake, Galway Downs, and the Temecula Parkway via Temecula Creek," said a spokesperson for Visit Temecula Valley.

Both tourism and the wine industry leadership state that the industrial infrastructure will severely degrade the destination's visual appeal and increase wildfire risk in high-severity fire zones.

Chris Baily, Board Chair of Visit Temecula Valley, suggests that the eyesore of the enormous towers required for this project will degrade the valley's beauty, which draws visitors from far afield.

"Temecula Valley’s economy thrives on its reputation as a premier, scenic destination for wine tourism, outdoor recreation, and resort experiences," Baily said. "Replacing our majestic landscapes with massive industrial towers compromises the very aesthetic that supports thousands of hospitality jobs and local small businesses. Furthermore, bringing high-voltage lines through wildfire-prone wine country presents a significant safety hazard to our residents, visitors, and historic agricultural lands."

Both Baily and the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association Board President, Mike Rennie, emphasize that, because the line is designed purely for regional transmission to other utility territories, Temecula is being asked to bear severe environmental and economic liabilities without receiving any direct local benefit.

“Temecula Valley Wine Country is not only an economic engine for our region, but also a protected agricultural destination that families, visitors, and businesses have invested decades into building,” Rennie said. “Placing massive transmission infrastructure through the heart of wine country threatens the rural character, scenic beauty, and long-term sustainability that make this region so special. We strongly urge SDG&E and state decision-makers to pursue alternative routes that protect our wineries, vineyards, residents, visitors, and wildlife from unnecessary environmental and wildfire risks.”

Both agencies are formally calling on California state regulators, local officials, and SDG&E to evaluate alternative routing options that entirely bypass the delicate tourist corridors and agricultural heart of the Temecula Valley.

According to a report Baily delivered to the Temecula City Council in November, Visit Temecula Valley states that tourism in the Temecula Valley region generated $1.137 billion in spending in 2024, supports about 9,570 jobs and produced roughly $52.3 million in tax revenue for the area.

Current City Councilmembers Brenden Kalfus and Zak Schwank have expressed their open opposition to the proposed route of the powerlink. Schwank went as far as to walk the powerlink running through Menifee, showing the height of the towers, the breadth of the easement, and the crackle of power, which can be heard buzzing overhead in his social media video.

"This is a 500-kV line that is running through Perris, along the 215 at Case Road. This line runs for 40 miles through this area. The right-of-way required for this area is massive," he said. "You can hear the electricity in the line. If you live along Temecula Creek, this might be in your backyard."

The structures pictured were in SDG&E's town hall presentation.

"At our next city council meeting, we will have an item on the agenda where residents can discuss the powerlink project," he said. "I see folks are getting mobilized and engaged. Know we are as well, and we are ready to work with you all to stop this project from going through our community."

The Golden Pacific Powerlink remains in the early planning and environmental review phase and is subject to CPUC review and approval, said SDG&E spokesperson Alex Welling.

He added that the lines will contribute to California's much-needed power grid infrastructure. Though it will not directly serve Temecula residents' power, as this is a transmission line, "this project is part of California's interconnected electric grid, designed to support reliability and meet growing demand across a broader system."

Related:

Temecula Pushes Back Against Massive High-Voltage Transmission Project Planned Through The City