Imperial Irrigation District and the California Independent System Operator announced that the two parties have reached a settlement that ends existing litigation between them.

As a result, more climate-friendly energy from the IID service area can be delivered to the rest of California.

"For IID, this has always been about ensuring basic fairness, a level playing field and protecting our balancing authority and our ratepayers for the sustained benefit of the region," said Kevin Kelley, IID general manager. 

As part of the settlement, CAISO has agreed to upgrade one of IID's power lines (S-Line) that will allow more electricity to flow from the Imperial Valley to other markets. CAISO has also agreed to do more to help promote geothermal development, a priority for the district, in the Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area. 

Both parties also agreed to establish a local coordination working group to address important issues that may arise in the future. 

Resolving the dispute gives the parties a common platform to move forward on issues that both agencies care about, Kelley added. 

Located in what is considered  the "renewable energy capital of the world" IID can serve as a conduit for renewable energy development in the west, helping California meet its aggressive renewable energy and climate goals while creating added economic development and job opportunities in a region that desperately needs them.

California State Water Resources Control Board | www.waterboards.ca.gov