Indio's electrical grid just got a major boost, enough to power 2,500 more homes as the city keeps growing.
The upgrade is meant to support new housing and business growth across the city.
Here's what to know
KESQ reported that the Imperial Irrigation District and the City of Indio finished the Avenue 42 Substation Expansion, adding a third 28-megavolt-ampere transformer bank to boost capacity for future growth. The project is the first of four major electrical upgrades planned through the partnership between the utility and city.
"I think the city needs to consider a balanced growth, not just go for the developer's dollars, but consider the citizens who are currently here," Indio resident Tonalea Dody said.
For homeowners, switching to solar is one of the best ways to cut home energy costs. Palmetto is running an exclusive offer for Southern California residents that allows customers to save an average of 40% on their electric bills with $0 down.
More background
According to KESQ, utility board chairwoman Karin Eugenio said customers pitch in a small surcharge through the Joint Powers Authority that goes toward infrastructure costs.
"It's about $2 or $3 per household that JPA ensures that the base rate stays the same," Eugenio said.
The utility's base residential rate is 22.30 cents per kilowatt-hour, well below Southern California Edison's average residential rate of 34.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to KESQ.
SoCal exclusive: Save 40% on your electric bill by going solar with no upfront costs Crushed by your monthly electric bills? Palmetto can take care of you with an exclusive solar offer for Southern California residents. Palmetto's home energy savings plans deliver all the benefits of going solar with zero upfront investment. For a limited time, special rates in Southern California can unlock bill savings of up to 40% — and you can get a custom quote in seconds without sharing your email or phone number. |
That doesn't guarantee a lower monthly bill since usage, rate plans, and other charges shape the final cost. Dody said she paid $90 a month for electricity when she bought her home 23 years ago; that figure has doubled, though she also said the utility was dependable and that she's never lost power.
What's being done?
KESQ reported that the Avenue 42 work is one element of a larger buildout. The remaining projects include a new Avenue 40 substation, an expansion at the Dr. Carreon substation, and another new facility at Northgate-Avenue 43.
City and utility officials say the four projects will add 156 megavolt-amperes of capacity, enough to serve 16,000 homes over the next several years.
Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes told KESQ that the city wants electrical infrastructure in place so new development does not outpace reliability, and she said the utility's low rates give Indio residents and businesses an edge.
With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year. The company's $0 down offer gives qualifying residents another way to reduce exposure to high utility costs as demand grows.
"Whatever we do here in the city of Indio, power or anything else, it has to be reliable," Holmes told KESQ.
Where can I learn more?
These articles look at other grid upgrades in California and beyond.
• In San Diego County, a massive battery storage project took shape to strengthen reliability during peak demand.
• In Georgia, utilities say a next-gen storage project will help power 500,000 homes.
• In New South Wales, the largest-of-its-kind energy project was energized to reduce blackout risks.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
