Berkshire Hathaway Energy Renewables has suspended the permitting process for its three proposed geothermal plants near the Salton Sea, citing transmission interconnection challenges, permitting delays and the lack of state-backed offtake agreements. The projects — Black Rock, Morton Bay and Elmore North — would have added 357 megawatts of renewable energy to California’s grid. The decision comes after months of regulatory proceedings with the California Energy Commission and transmission studies with the Imperial Irrigation District. The suspension halts what had been expected to be a significant economic driver for Imperial County.