Problem Solvers: Pacific Power invests tens of millions to boost Central Oregon grid amid record growth, need
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pacific Power is investing tens of millions of dollars into Central Oregon's electrical grid to support a population that has grown by more than 65,000 residents since 2010.
The utility provider is fast-tracking new substations and 500-kilovolt transmission lines to keep pace with the region's record-breaking electricity demand, which has surged 30-40% since 2020.
Explosive regional growth fuels need
Central Oregon has become the fastest-growing region in the Pacific Power service area, which spans seven states.
Since the 2010 Census, more than 65,000 people have moved to the region, causing electricity demand to rise faster than in any other market the company serves.
Local leaders have expressed concern that the existing infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines and substations, may not be able to keep pace with the influx of residents.
Warnings from local leaders - and call for a 'look at nuclear'
The infrastructure expansion comes as local and state representatives warn that the region is "energy-challenged" due to rapid residential and industrial growth.
Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz has closely monitored the regional energy situation.
"We've got to do something about this," Bentz said. "This part of the state, and every part of the state is incredibly energy challenged right now."
In Prineville, Mayor Jason Beebe has raised questions about whether there is enough electricity to support the continued expansion of data centers and manufacturing. Beebe suggested exploring alternative energy sources to ensure the grid remains stable as heavy industry grows.
"We need to take a look at nuclear," Beebe said. "A small nuclear reactor on their site generates their own power and whatever residual power is left, you sell it to the grid."
New substation online, more power boosts ahead
To address these challenges, Pacific Power completed construction on the Hunters Circle substation in northern Bend during the summer of 2025. The project added 33 megawatts of capacity to the local system, enough to power around 30,000 homes.
Simon Gutierrez, a spokesman for Pacific Power, described the effort to keep up with regional growth as a "scramble," noting that the company has another substation planned for Bend, expected in service by late 2027, and one for north Redmond by early 2028.
Gutierrez explained that the company must align its construction with actual demographic shifts rather than building in anticipation of growth that might not happen.
"We're planning for that future and are well-positioned to meet that future demand," Gutierrez said.
He noted that if a utility overbuilds, customers may end up paying for resources that go unused. This funding typically comes from a capital budget, and the company later asks the Public Utility Commission to consider recovering those costs through rate increases.
Major transmission projects in the works
The company differentiates between substations, which step down power for local use, and transmission lines, which act like interstate highways to move heavy volumes of electricity over long distances.
Beyond local substations, Pacific Power is developing major transmission initiatives, including the 180-mile Blueprint South project. This 500-kilovolt line would run through Deschutes, Crook, Klamath and Lake counties—from the Powell Butte area to southern Klamath County—to reduce system constraints, integrate renewable energy from states like Utah and Wyoming, enhance reliability, and support economic development.
Construction on the Boardman to Hemingway transmission line has already begun, with a projected completion date in late 2027. For the Blueprint South project, planning and permitting will continue through 2028, with construction expected between 2029 and 2032; a second set of open house meetings is planned for mid-2026 to review refined routes.
Power delivery bigger issue than generation
While some officials worry about the total amount of power available, Gutierrez stated the primary issue is delivery. "But we don't have a shortage of electricity being generated," Gutierrez said. "It's generally getting the electricity from one place to another. That can be problematic. And that's why we need something like the Blueprint transmission line."
Community opposition and engagement
The proposed transmission projects have faced opposition from some local residents, leading to public protests such as those against "Route B" in southeast Bend neighborhoods like Sundance and Somerset.
Pacific Power has held a series of public meetings and interactive workshops, including open houses in March and April of 2025—to gather feedback on potential routes.
Gutierrez emphasized that while the company tries to address safety and property value concerns, the infrastructure is a "public need and it has to go somewhere." He added, "So what we can do and what we are doing is, we're listening."
