Check out our e-news video clip on Planning For Growth in the Treasure Valley (June 2005).

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, Idaho Power considers where the population base is and where main electrical load, or demand, is located. That in turn drives where the power lines and substations must be located and constructed. Based on those projections, Idaho Power, together with local jurisdictions and customers, devises a construction strategy to stay ahead of the growth curve.

The company invests tens of millions of dollars annually in distribution, transmission, and substation projects. In the past five years, Idaho Power has 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 grow near.

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

When siting new facilities, the company considers load proximity, access to electric transmission and distribution lines, public concern, site preparation, transportation access, cost, zoning, security, environmental impact, system reliability and voltage regulation in determining new facility locations.

Check out our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions and Answers) about Power Lines.

Treasure Valley Electrical Plan
Idaho Power is responding to record growth in Ada and Canyon counties with the Treasure Valley Electrical Plan, a 25-year plan to ensure sufficient power for the valley.

Watch an Idaho Power e-news on Planning For Growth in the Treasure Valley.