Idaho Power has more than 4,800 miles of high-voltage transmission lines across its service area. Transmission lines move electricity more efficiently than lower voltage distribution lines, which deliver power directly to customers. Our transmission lines typically carry 138,000, 230,000, 345,000 or 500,000 volts.

Transmission Planning

The number of Idaho Power customers continues to grow. This growth increases the amount of energy needed to meet customers’ needs.

Our transmission lines are the “freeways of electricity.” They allow energy to move from power plants to substations, where their voltage is reduced for delivery to customers, or from one substation to another.

Our planning engineers monitor customer growth and how much energy those customers need. They work with community advisory groups to develop plans to ensure reliable service. These plans include recommendations for where to build facilities like power lines and substations. We invite you to take part in these plans.

Find more information on specific projects.

Learn how we plan for growth.

Transmission Services

Idaho Power provides transmission services on a non-discriminatory basis under its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-approved open access transmission tariff, or OATT.

When there’s space available on a transmission line, we can transmit electricity for other companies. Transmission space on Idaho Power’s system may be requested only over Idaho Power’s Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS). Idaho Power’s OASIS site provides additional information about transmission services, including information about Available Transfer Capability, Idaho Power’s OATT and associated rules, standards and business practices, and Idaho Power’s implementation of FERC’s Standards of Conduct. All requests for transmission service must be made on OASIS.

For more information, contact Transmission Service Requests at 208-388-2846.

Does Idaho Power Install Power Lines Underground?

Idaho Power usually installs transmission lines above ground (also called overhead lines). This is typically the most cost-effective method for customers.

Installing power lines underground is usually much more expensive.

Any request to install a proposed power line underground requires advance payment from the person making the request. This payment is used to perform a detailed engineering analysis of the project.

If the analysis shows the project is possible, the person making the request must pay in advance for the increased cost of installing and operating the transmission line underground.

For more information on underground power lines, visit our frequently asked questions section.