The Santa Clara City Council took a significant step towards enhancing the local power infrastructure during its Joint Council and Authorities Concurrent & Stadium Authority Meeting on August 19, 2025. The council voted on a resolution of necessity to acquire easements for properties located at 3508, 3520, 3530, 3540, and 3550 Bassett Street. This acquisition is crucial for the implementation of the Silicon Valley Power (SVP) 115 kV transmission line project, which aims to bolster the city's electrical capacity and reliability.

Ali Jackman, the electric division manager for SVP, presented the project, highlighting its necessity to accommodate growing energy demands and maintain system reliability. The new transmission line will extend approximately 2.24 miles from the Northern Receiving Station to the Kiefer Receiving Station, increasing the system's operating limit from 819 megawatts to 1,300 megawatts. This expansion is essential to meet the projected electric loads in Santa Clara, especially with the anticipated influx of power from the new Kaiso 230 kV line set to come online in 2028.

The council's decision follows extensive negotiations with the property owner, which have been ongoing for over nine months. Despite multiple offers made by the city, the property owner has countered with demands significantly above the appraised value, leading to the current resolution to consider eminent domain. Jackman emphasized that the city has made every effort to negotiate in good faith, but the impasse necessitated this public hearing.

During the meeting, the property owner's attorney, Emily Brough, voiced objections to the resolution, arguing that the city had not adequately demonstrated the necessity of the properties for the project. She contended that the appraisal and compensation offered were insufficient and did not meet legal standards. In response, the city's outside legal counsel, Gail Connor, defended the appraisal process and the project's alignment with public interest, asserting that the council had sufficient evidence to support the resolution.

The council's approval of the resolution requires five affirmative votes and is a critical step in moving forward with the project. If passed, the city will continue to negotiate with the property owner while preparing to initiate the eminent domain process if necessary. This project represents a vital investment in Santa Clara's energy infrastructure, aiming to ensure reliable power delivery for the community's future needs.