Borrego Sun - Since 1949

At the beginning of August, United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Battaglia ruled that Imperial Irrigation District’s court case alleging monopolistic practices by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) could proceed.

“IID is pleased that the case against CAISO can now move forward,” stated IID general manager Kevin Kelley. “There is no doubt that the district, its renewable energy generators and ultimately its ratepayers have been harmed by the state’s grid operator in denying transmission access to IID’s balancing area.”

Senate Bill 350 mandates that California utilities achieve a 50-percent renewable portfolio standard by 2030. It also provides CAISO a path toward creating a multi-state regional transmission organization. Much work has been accomplished; however, important questions and issues of concern remain. Because of these questions, Gov. Gerry Brown has stepped in and put a hold on the regionalization plan.

“IID is gratified that Gov. Brown has decided not to forge ahead with the plan to expand the CAISO’s footprint into adjoining western states served by a private corporation, PacifiCorp,” said IID General Manager Kevin Kelley. “For its part, IID applauds this decision and looks forward to working with the governor to advance policies that give Californians more control over their energy future.”

IID’s service area is home to abundant renewable energy resources that, if fully developed, can help California meet its renewable energy goals while at the same time providing an economic boon to the local economy.

“This is a time for California to be working toward the democratization of its electric grid, not paving the way for its privatization,” said Kelley.