Blueprint South transmission line project
PacifiCorp proposes to build a new 500-kilovolt transmission line in south-central Oregon through a portion of Deschutes, Crook, Klamath and Lake counties. The new 180-mile-long line will connect several existing substations and two proposed new substations between the Powell Butte area and southern Klamath County. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and northern California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.
Need and benefits
Energy consumption throughout the region continues to grow. This line will help reduce transmission system constraints and add capacity to serve the growing needs of customers, businesses and industries. The project will also enable integration of renewable energy sources, enhance reliability and support economic development in Oregon and the region.
Location routing study and maps
PacifiCorp is conducting a study to develop, examine and evaluate various potential options to identify a viable route for the transmission line. Through the study, PacifiCorp aims to identify the route where the line will have the least impact on communities, land uses, and the environment while also meeting engineering and safety standards. The project map below shows preliminary alternative routes, which are subject to change based on further analysis and input from customers, communities and stakeholders. The routing study began in late 2023 and is anticipated to conclude in 2025.
Typical structure type
- Voltage: 500 kV
- Length: Approximately 180 miles
- Structure types: Steel lattice, single circuit
- Structure height: 160-180 feet
- Span between structures: 800-1,400 feet
- Right-of-way width: 250 feet
Public outreach
To support the routing study process, we are conducting public outreach and engagement. This includes briefings to local officials, convening community groups to work with the project team as part of the routing study, and hosting public meetings. We are committed to transparency and informing the public about the project, while also receiving valuable feedback that will help with routing the transmission line.
Open house meetings
Open house meetings were held in Prineville, Bend, Chiloquin and Klamath Falls on March 10-13, 2025. For those unable to attend an in-person meeting, a virtual option was held on March 18, 2025. Watch the meeting or view the slides below.
Virtual Open House Meeting Recording (March 18, 2025)
Open House Meeting Slides: Part 1 | Part 2
Submit public comments
Please submit public comments by May 9, 2025.
Permitting
Once the routing study is completed, PacifiCorp will obtain necesssary permits. Major permits and approvals include the following:
- A Site Certificate from the Oregon Energy Facilities Siting Council
- An Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act for right-of-way across federal lands
- A Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Oregon Public Utility Commission
In addition, there are several other federal, state and local permits and approvals required for construction that are not under the jurisdiction of the siting council, the National Environmental Policy Act or the utility commission.
Preliminary project schedule
- Project Planning and Permitting: 2023 – 2028
- Project Construction: 2029 – 2032
More information
(503) 892-6727
info@blueprintsouth.com