Design and Construction

Idaho Power pursues the following goals when identifying and evaluating transmission line corridors for B2H:

  • Avoid or minimize impacts to the environment to the greatest extent possible.
  • Develop a corridor that meets engineering and construction requirements in a fiscally responsible manner.
  • Connect existing and planned substations.
  • Solicit public comment and implement suggestions where possible.

Idaho Power reached out to each landowner to identify the best locations for transmission line towers and access roads on their land.

Design

B2H’s towers will have multiple designs. They will be single-circuit configurations on steel lattice or steel H-frame towers.

Idaho Power follows all applicable safety codes and standards to ensure our systems operate safely and reliably. The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the industry–accepted safety standard that guides the design, installation, operation and maintenance of transmission lines and equipment.

Graphic showing how tall a steel H tower is compared to a building, wind turbine, cement plant and two-story house. The tower is a little less tall than the Baker Tower in Baker City, OR

If federal and state agencies approve a transmission line route, Idaho Power will work with affected property owners to determine the exact line location and identify opportunities to reduce impacts to the property. Visit our “Landowner Information” section for more information.

Proposed design standards are listed below.

Tower heights (average)

  • Steel lattice: 140 feet (ranges from 130 to 180 feet)
  • Steel H-frame: 100 feet (ranges from 100 to 130 feet)

Tower footprint
40 feet by 40 feet

Span between structures length (average)
1,200 feet

Ground clearance (average)
35 feet

Right of way width (typical)
100 to 250 feet

Potential Tower Structures

Graphic of steel lattice H frame structures

Construction

Building a transmission line is a big undertaking. It includes building access roads and towers, stringing lines and restoring disturbed lands. Idaho Power will oversee all transmission line and substation design and construction. The company has hired construction companies to build the line.

Construction Sequence

  • Build access roads and prepare construction sites.
  • Install tower foundations.
  • Assemble the tower structures.
  • String the electrical line over the towers.
  • Restore and revegetate disturbed lands.