Transmission Planning and Services

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.

For information on connecting electrical service to a home or other building, visit our Construction and Remodeling page.

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.