Pacific Power updates community on Future Transmission Line project progress

Deschutes County residents can expect significant advancements in energy infrastructure following the recent update on the Pacific Power Future Transmission Line project presented during the Board of Commissioners meeting on February 24, 2025. The project, known as Blueprint South, aims to enhance the region's electrical grid by constructing a new 500 kV transmission line that will bolster the operational backbone of the power system.

Project managers John L.O. and Derek Bell outlined the necessity of this upgrade, emphasizing that the current grid is overburdened in several areas. The new line will not only improve the distribution of renewable energy but also provide greater operational flexibility for future energy demands. While the project will not directly supply power to communities like Lakeview, it is expected to indirectly facilitate future energy access by reducing costs and improving infrastructure proximity.

The proposed route for the transmission line will run from the Snow Goose substation to a yet-to-be-determined terminal point, with plans for a new substation in Chiloquin. The project is currently in the technical routing phase, with community working groups established in the Bend-Redmond and Klamath Falls areas to gather public input and inform the routing process. Four public meetings are scheduled in March to further engage the community and provide updates on the project.

The timeline for the project indicates that construction is anticipated to begin in 2029, with completion expected by 2032. This ambitious initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet increasing energy demands across Oregon, ensuring that the region is well-equipped to handle future growth and sustainability efforts. As the project progresses, Pacific Power is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the public, highlighting the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of energy in Deschutes County.