Pacific Power presents preferred route for transmission line after public pushback

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- PacifiCorp, the parent company of Pacific Power, has narrowed its options for a major transmission project through Central and Southern Oregon, identifying preliminary preferred routes for both the main power line and an associated connection east of Bend.

The proposed Blueprint South project would include an approximately 180-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line running through portions of Crook, Deschutes, Lake, and Klamath counties. Pacific Power says the project is intended to increase the region’s electrical capacity, improve reliability, and make it easier to move renewable energy across the system.

The utility’s latest map identifies Route M as the preliminary preferred route for the 500-kilovolt line between the proposed Full Circle substation area near Prineville and the Snow Goose connection near Klamath Falls. Routes K and L remain under consideration as alternatives.

Pacific Power has also identified Route BB as its preliminary preferred route for the project’s 230-kilovolt connection between Full Circle and the Butler area east of Bend. Routes AA and CC are listed as alternatives.

How does Route M compare with the former Route D?

The new route names are different from those shown during the project’s first round of public meetings in 2025.

A comparison of Pacific Power’s 2025 and 2026 maps shows Route M largely carries forward the eastern path previously labeled Route D, particularly through Central Oregon, Lake County, and northern Klamath County. It keeps the main 500-kilovolt corridor farther east of Bend than the former Routes A and B.

However, Route M is not simply Route D with a new name. PacifiCorp has refined portions of the corridor and changed the project’s southern connection. Earlier maps showed the line ending near Chiloquin, while the current routes connect to Snow Goose near Klamath Falls.

The proposal also now includes the separate Full Circle-to-Butler 230-kilovolt lines, creating an additional local connection between the proposed substation area near Prineville and the existing electrical system east of Bend.

KTVZ News previously reported on opposition from residents in the Somerset and Sundance areas southeast of Bend, who raised concerns about the former Routes A and B passing near homes, farms, and neighborhoods.

In May 2025, Deschutes County Commissioners Phil Chang and Tony DeBone urged PacifiCorp to consider Route D, saying it appeared to affect fewer residential and agricultural properties and could make greater use of existing transmission corridors. Crook County commissioners also expressed support for Route D following feedback from community members.

What could the project look like?

According to PacifiCorp, the main 500-kilovolt line would use steel lattice towers approximately 160 to 180 feet tall. Towers would generally be placed between 800 and 1,400 feet apart within a 250-foot-wide right-of-way.

The 230-kilovolt portion would stretch approximately 25 miles and use wood poles with wood or metal crossarms. PacifiCorp’s website lists those structures as approximately 80 to 105 feet tall, with a 300-foot-wide right-of-way.

The project would also include a new 500-kilovolt substation and two series compensation stations.

The routes are not final

PacifiCorp describes Route M and Route BB as “preliminary preferred” routes. The company says both could change as it reviews additional engineering information, environmental considerations, and public comments.

The routing study is expected to conclude later this year. PacifiCorp would then move into state and federal permitting, including review by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council, the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and federal agencies where the line would cross federal land.

The company’s current schedule calls for planning and permitting to continue through 2029, with construction potentially taking place between 2030 and 2033.

PacifiCorp held in-person open houses in Bend and Powell Butte last week. A virtual open house is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9th, from 6:00 to 7:00p.m.

Community members can join the meeting through Zoom using passcode 725613.

Residents can also explore the routes through the project’s interactive map or submit feedback through PacifiCorp’s online public comment form.

Comments can also be submitted by emailing info@blueprintsouth.com or calling 503-892-6727.