LS Power Grid California (LSPGC) has broken ground on the construction of $200 million Manning substation project in Fresno. LSPGC is an affiliate of LS Power and its transmission subsidiary. Manning will reinforce the Central Valley electric grid with a new 500/230-kV substation. It will also include an estimated 12-mile, 230-kV double-circuit transmission line. Other than investing more than $200 million in energy infrastructure, the project will create roughly 100 jobs during construction.

Once operational, Manning will enhance grid reliability. Moreover, it will increase access to lower-cost and diverse generation resources for the San Joaquin region. The region and state will also benefit from property taxes paid by LSPGC that help fund local essential services.

Margaret Bratcher, senior project manager at LS Power noted her remarks ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. She noted that the project’s commencement highlights an important milestone that builds on the company’s track record. The firm prides in its ability to deliver competitive transmission projects on time and within cost containment commitments. A transmission substation is essential as California ramps up its investments in some of its solar plus battery storage projects. 

Outlook on the Manning Substation Project in Fresno

The Manning substation in Fresno is a project LS Power aims to complete on time and fast track it to facilitate transmission. Fast tracking transmission projects is essential and maintaining competition in transmission development drives strong schedule accountability. We’re also proud to move Manning forward ahead of schedule and deliver power infrastructure that strengthens the grid and supports the region’s future,” Margaret added.

In 2023, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) selected LSPGC to finance, construct, own, operate and maintain Manning. The selection was done through a competitive process conducted pursuant to federal regulations. For this case, it was according to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order No. 1000.

LSPGC was selected from four qualified proposals due to its “demonstrated cost containment capability” that provided overall rate certainty and stability. Manning represents one of five transmission projects LSPGC has in development across the state of California. This is along with one asset in service, the Orchard Substation, located near Manning in Fresno County.

Project Factsheet

• Project Name: Manning Substation
• Location: Fresno, California
• Developer / Owner: LS Power Grid California (Affiliate of LS Power)
• Project Value: $200 million
• Status: Construction underway (groundbreaking completed)

Technical Scope

• New 500/230-kV substation
• 12-mile, 230-kV double-circuit transmission line
• Designed to reinforce the Central Valley electric grid
• Grid & Regulatory Context
• Selected in 2023 by California Independent System Operator (CAISO)
• Competitive selection under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Order No. 1000
• Chosen from four qualified proposals based on cost-containment capability

Economic & Regional Impact

• 100 construction jobs
• Increased grid reliability for the San Joaquin region
• Improved access to lower-cost and diverse generation resources
• Property tax contributions to local services

Portfolio Context

• One of five LSPGC transmission projects in development in California
• Near existing Orchard Substation (in service