Idaho Power is making progress on improving reliability in neighborhoods across our service area. Since 2012, we’ve replaced more than 3 million feet of underground power lines — longer than the drive from Twin Falls, Idaho to Portland, Oregon.
In 2012, Idaho Power started replacing power lines that were buried without conduits more than 40 years ago. The new lines are protected in conduit that improves reliability and reduces the time it takes to restore power if repairs are necessary. We are on schedule to finish in 2035. When it’s done, we will have replaced more than 7 million feet of power lines.
Keep an Eye Out For Us
Our employees and contractors operate a variety of heavy equipment to install new power lines underground. Some of this equipment is very loud, so keep your distance. Also, for your safety and theirs, stay back from any work zone. These should be marked with signs, cones, or other signals.
Changes You Might Notice
Sometimes, we replace underground equipment with above-ground equipment. Green metal boxes will mark these places. Above-ground equipment in the boxes allows crews to safely access wires and other equipment and make repairs quickly.
Installing above-ground equipment improves access for our crews and helps us restore power more quickly.
Our work might affect landscaping and customer property like fencing. In these cases, we will visit with you before working on your property to find the best solution for everyone.
What to Expect From Idaho Power
Before starting groundwork, Idaho Power and our contractors will walk through the project area to identify potential impacts to customers and the public. If we expect an impact to your property, we will contact you before work begins to discuss restoration.
We will send you a postcard before work begins in your neighborhood. We will place signs at entrances to the area where work will take place. These signs will include a phone number for your questions or concerns.
Before connecting the new power lines, we will schedule a two- to four-hour power outage. We will notify you at least 48 hours before this outage starts.
Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date at idahopower.com/contactupdate or by calling 1-800-388-2323.
We will repair any damage our work causes. We’ll restore landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, or other parts of your property to their original condition or better.
What Customers Are Responsible For
To ensure our crews have safe access to work on the equipment when needed, customers must keep the following distances clear around above-ground electrical equipment on their property:
- 3 feet from each side
- 10 feet from the front
- 10 feet above the top
FAQs
Why are you replacing wire cables and equipment?
We are upgrading underground cables with new ones that have improved technology and better protection from the elements. We’ll use tubing or conduit to protect the wires. Older underground cables without conduit are more susceptible to outages and power quality problems.
In the late 1960s, utilities across the country began putting power lines underground instead of overhead. In the 1990s, plastics, PVC and other materials became more advanced, improving conduits that hold underground wires and making them easier to use. Conduit surrounds the wire and protects it from corrosive soil, rocks, roots, and other underground hazards.
Will I be able to get into and out of my home or business?
Yes. The crews on site will work with you to make sure you have access to your home or business during construction. We’ll knock on your door to inform you about the work and do everything we can to ensure access.
Will there be an extra charge for this?
No. Construction costs for projects like this one are covered through energy rates.
What if I have questions?
The best thing to do is contact Idaho Power using the contact information on the notification postcard you received and signs posted in the project areas. You can also:
- Email the project team at upgrade@idahopower.com
- Call Project Manager Tom Keyt at 208-388-5857
- Contact your local energy advisor