CPUC Permitting Puts Manning Substation Construction Ahead of Schedule in San Joaquin Valley

Following the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) timely and efficient environmental review and approval process, last month LS Power Grid California began construction of the Manning Substation in Fresno County, demonstrating the CPUC’s continued commitment to efficient, transparent, and policy-driven permitting.

In September 2025, the CPUC approved a permit for the project proposed by LS Power Grid California. The approval adopted the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and authorized construction of critical 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.”

Advancing Renewable Energy and Grid Reliability
The Manning Substation Project includes construction of:

• A new 500/230 kV substation in western Fresno County
• An approximately 11.5-mile 230 kV transmission line connecting the new substation to the existing Tranquility Switching Station
• Associated upgrades to existing transmission and distribution infrastructure

The project was identified in the California Independent System Operator’s 2021–2022 Transmission Plan as necessary to:

• Facilitate delivery of existing and proposed renewable energy resources
• Address transmission system reliability needs in the San Joaquin Valley
• Support California’s clean energy and climate goals

From Approval to Construction Ahead of Schedule
On Dec. 19, 2025, LS Power Grid California submitted its first Notice to Proceed request to CPUC staff, demonstrating that all required mitigation measures and compliance obligations ordered in the CPUC’s September decision were in place for the construction of the substation.

CPUC staff approved the Notice to Proceed on Jan. 16, 2026. On Feb. 26, 2026, LS Power Grid California announced that construction has officially started on the Manning Substation Project. In its press release, the company specifically credited the CPUC’s timely permitting process for enabling the project to break ground ahead of schedule.

A Model for Efficient, Policy-Driven Permitting
The Manning Substation Project illustrates how strong coordination, clear regulatory processes, and diligent CPUC staff work can deliver major infrastructure approvals efficiently while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.

By completing environmental review on schedule and promptly acting on post-approval compliance filings, the CPUC has helped accelerate infrastructure that:

• Enables renewable energy delivery
• Strengthens grid reliability
• Supports economic development in the San Joaquin Valley
• Advances California’s clean energy transition

This successful outcome reflects the CPUC’s ongoing efforts to enhance and modernize its permitting processes, delivering results that benefit communities, the environment, and the state’s energy future.

High voltage transmission in California is efficient for delivery of electricity over long distances, connecting communities across the state to renewable electricity generation. A 500 kV electrical transmission system is capable of carrying enough electricity to power millions of homes and businesses. High voltage transmission also improves the reliability of electricity delivery during extreme weather events because higher voltage lines can withstand higher temperatures without overheating.

According to LS Power Grid California, the project will create more than 100 jobs during construction, and the region and state will also benefit from property taxes that will help fund local essential services.