PG&E has been given preliminary approval to construct a new high-voltage substation at Wheeler Ridge Junction.

Brian Swanson is with the utility and says electrical bills will increase a bit once the project is completed in 2020.

“The average bill impact for this particular project will be about a penny per month,” he said.

Swanson says the project will improve the reliability of Bakersfield’s electrical grid. If the project receives final approval by the California Public Utilities Commission, construction will begin in 2019.

The California Independent System Operator Corporation says the project will cost at least $90 million.

– Anthony Pollreisz