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California Gateway Connector Projects

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Strengthening Northern California Transmission

The California Gateway Connector Projects are a set of major, state-identified transmission upgrades designed to strengthen Northern California’s electric grid, enhancing system resiliency, and advancing California’s clean energy goals.

In 2025, California Independent System Operator (CAISO) selected CalGrid, a Viridon company, through a competitive solicitation to finance, construct, own, operate, and maintain the California Gateway Connector Projects, comprising two new 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines and a new substation in Northern California.

Projects at a glance

500 kV
2 transmission lines and 1 substation
~415+
line miles
2034
in-service date

Transmission upgrades reinforce Northern California's electric grid and enable the delivery of clean, reliable power across the region

Project benefits

Grid resiliency

Increase capacity, improve network diversity through multiple transmission paths, and enable access to geographically diverse energy resources

Economic and community benefits

$2.4 billion in total economic infusions and 1,500+ jobs

Energy resource integration

Unlocks access to diverse, large-scale energy resources while supporting California's growing energy needs

Cost management for customers

Supports prudent cost management through competitive project selection, cost containment commitments, and project oversight

Our projects

California Valley Connector

The California Valley Connector adds approximately 275 miles of 500 kV transmission between Humboldt County and the Bay Area, and includes a new 500/115 kV substation in Humboldt County 

California Ridge Connector

The California Ridge Connector adds approximately 140 miles of 500 kV transmission between Humboldt and Shasta counties 

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