New Pacific Power Operations Center in Bend unites offices, also will train line crews from across the region

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Pacific Power's brand-new Bend operations center is now open, combining three existing Bend facilities into one state-of-the-art location.

The utility says the move improves efficiency, but it also includes a training facility where line crews from across the region will be able to practice on power lines.

A ribbon-cutting and flag-raising ceremony took place to mark completion of the $40 million facility, located on NE Cooley Road. 

Pacific Power President Ryan Flynn said, "It's 19 acres. It consolidates three separate locations we had. We're excited for a safer community, safer customer experience, more safer for our employees as well."

"This is where our line crews primarily are based out of, our meter readers - all of our operational personnel are here at this location."

At Tuesday's session, line crews from Yreka, California were training on live electrical lines.

The facility currently has about 75 employees.