Q&A
1. What is TANC?
The Transmission Agency of Northern California (TANC) is a California joint powers authority established by a group of publicly-owned utilities in 1984. Its Membership currently consists of 15 publicly-owned utilities in the cities of Alameda, Biggs, Gridley, Healdsburg, Lodi, Lompoc, Palo Alto, Redding, Roseville, Santa Clara (Silicon Valley Power), and Ukiah, as well as the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, the Modesto Irrigation District and the Turlock Irrigation District. The Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative is an associate member. TANC is governed by a Commission consisting of a representative from each TANC Member.
2. What does TANC do?
TANC’s initial purpose when it was established in 1984 was to plan, design and construct the California-Oregon Transmission Project (COTP), which was completed and energized in 1993. Today, TANC continues to provide electric transmission to its Members through transmission line ownership (TANC owns 87 percent of the COTP) or contract arrangements. TANC has 300 MW of transmission rights across portions of PG&E’s transmission grid. As project manager for the COTP, TANC is responsible for its day-to-day operation and maintenance as well as upgrades to the line and the planning of new lines. TANC works with transmission owners and other stakeholders to prudently plan for future electricity infrastructure needs for California and the West.
3. What is the COTP?
The California-Oregon Transmission Project (COTP) consists of 340-miles of 500-kV AC transmission lines connecting Southern Oregon and Central California. With a capacity of 1,600 megawatts (enough to power more than 1 million homes at any given time), the COTP provides power to consumers throughout Central and Northern California.
The COTP is one of only three major transmission lines that connect the electric systems of the Pacific Northwest (which includes access to clean hydroelectric, wind and other electricity generation sources) to the electric system in Northern California. Together, these three lines comprise the California-Oregon Intertie.
4. Who serves on the TANC Commission?
Each Member of TANC is represented on the TANC Commission. Annually, the TANC Commission elects its officers, including its Chair and Vice Chairs.
5. Who are TANC’s Member agencies?
A complete list of TANC’s Members can be found here.
6. When does TANC hold its meetings?
TANC’s meetings are held on the third Wednesday following the first Monday, of each month. All business is conducted consistent with requirements of the state Fair Political Practices Act as well as other applicable statutes and regulations. All TANC meetings are noticed and administered consistent with the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs meetings of local legislatives bodies.
7. How can I get more information about TANC’s meetings?
Agendas from TANC Commission meetings can be found on this website.