Our Plan

Idaho Power planning engineers anticipate an annual average growth rate of approximately two to three percent throughout the company’s service area.

They look at high growth areas and at the system’s overall performance to target the most effective location for new facility additions to meet growth requirements.

When siting new facilities, we consider where the population base and electrical demand are. That drives where the power lines and substations must be located. Based on those projections, Idaho Power, together with local jurisdictions and customers, devises a construction strategy to stay ahead of the growth curve.

We invest tens of millions of dollars annually in distribution, transmission and substation projects. In the past five years, we have invested over $445 million – nearly a half billion dollars – in new facilities and projects related to growth and customer need.

Necessary public involvement and permitting processes take place as the need for particular projects grows near.

Grid expansion often follows transportation corridors and, where possible, the we try to locate in areas that minimize the impact on residential and prime agricultural areas.

In siting new facilities, we also consider the following:

Demand
Access to electric transmission and distribution lines
Public concern
Site preparation
Transportation access
Cost
Zoning
Security
Environmental impact
System reliability
Voltage regulation

Treasure Valley Growth

Idaho Power is responding to record growth in Ada and Canyon counties with the Treasure Valley Electrical Plan (PDF) , a long-term plan to ensure sufficient power for the valley.