Project Need

Growth in the Kimberly and east Twin Falls areas has increased Idaho Power’s electrical load and is straining the existing electric facilities. There has been about 5 to 6 percent annual growth in electric load for several years in this area.

Residential growth is expected to continue, especially in northeast Twin Falls and around Kimberly. Additional commercial and small industrial “load,” or electrical use, is also expected along main transportation corridors and existing commercial areas. A new substation between Twin Falls and Kimberly is required to reliably serve existing and future electric load.

The proposed substation would be served by a new 138,000-volt (138 kV) sub-transmission line to be constructed from the existing transmission line along U.S. 30. The new line would be about one mile long and is proposed to be on the south side of the highway. The line would end at the substation site on 3400 East Road.

Substation Details

The proposed Kimberly Substation site is located approximately 700 feet south of U.S. 30 on the west side of 3400 East Road. The 2.6-acre substation site is rectangular shape approximately 220 feet by 520 feet. The station will be gravel surfaced and will be enclosed by a seven-foot tall chain link fence.

Sub-Transmission Line Details

The 138-kV sub-transmission line serving the new Kimberly substation will be double-circuit, using single poles approximately 90 feet tall with spans averaging 300 feet. The one-mile line is proposed to be constructed along the south side of U.S. 30 and will then turn south into the substation. The construction date of this line will coincide with the need date for the substation, currently planned for spring 2011.