Segment A - Walla Walla to McNary

Project Overview

In order to continue to provide reliable, safe and cost-effective electricity to customers, and support new renewable energy development, the company plans to build a new transmission line stretching approximately 56 miles from Walla Walla, Washington to Umatilla, Oregon. As part of PacifiCorp's Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion Project, this segment will connect existing substations at Walla Walla, Wallula and McNary, near Umatilla. Plans call for a 230-kilovolt transmission line along a 125-foot-wide right of way. The company will work to minimize impacts to the community and local environment during project development, construction and maintenance.

Project Timeline

• Public outreach – 2008-2009
• Permitting and obtaining rights of way – 2008-2009
• Begin construction – 2010-2011*
• Estimated line in service for customers – late 2011

Additional Information About the Project

Throughout 2008 and 2009, our company has worked with landowners and others, and conducted engineering, environmental and cultural studies to select a preferred route for the line. This preferred route was submitted to permitting agencies in late 2008, with county conditional use permits issued in early 2009. 

In April 2009, we decided to take additional time to evaluate the Walla Walla to McNary transmission project in light of regional transmission and resource plans that have continued to evolve. Allowing these regional plans to mature helps the company ensure this proposed transmission project is still the most cost-effective option for our customers. In Fall 2009, we received requests for transmission service from energy developers, requiring that we proceed with the Wallula to McNary portion of this line. At this point, the company will not be constructing the Walla Walla to Wallula portion. More information is available on the project fact sheet (PDF).

Additional information about this project will be posted on this Web site as the project progresses. Please check back periodically for updates. 

Public Participation

Public involvement is an important part of this process, and is welcomed at all stages of this planned transmission line development. Our company has held public, group and individual meetings, gathered input during public open houses (such as those held in March and September 2008) and continues to provide project materials and newsletters to landowners and other interested parties. 

To contact us about this project, please call toll free at 1-877-620-7678 or e-mail ConstructionProjects@pacificorp.com. Please be sure to include the project name – "Walla Walla to McNary" – in your inquiry.

(Updated January 4, 2010)