Purpose and Need

What is B2H?

Boardman to Hemingway, or “B2H,” is a proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line that will run approximately 290 miles across eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. It will connect the proposed Longhorn Substation four miles east of Boardman, Oregon, to Idaho Power’s existing Hemingway Substation in Owyhee County, Idaho.

Why is it needed?

Population and business growth in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West are driving increased demand for energy. Existing transmission lines between these two regions can’t carry any more energy when it is needed most.

The Boardman to Hemingway line will deliver up to 1,000 megawatts of reliable, affordable, clean power in each direction, helping utilities meet customer demand, especially during the Pacific Northwest’s winter peak and the Mountain West’s summer peak.

B2H is a cleaner, less expensive, lower-risk solution than building new carbon-emitting plants, and it’s less expensive than building new solar or battery storage plants. It will improve reliability, reducing the likelihood and duration of outages, while helping to keep energy prices affordable.

Who’s involved?

Idaho Power is working on B2H with two other utilities, PacifiCorp and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Idaho Power is leading federal, state and local permitting efforts. PacifiCorp owns 55% of the project. According to the terms of a non-binding agreement all three utilities signed in January 2022, Idaho Power would own 45% of B2H. BPA would pay Idaho Power to deliver energy across Idaho Power equipment to BPA customers in eastern Idaho.

What’s the schedule?

Idaho Power hopes to finalize B2H permitting in 2023. We expect construction to take three to four years. The line is planned to be in service in 2026 or later.

B2H project milestones from 2016 to hoped-for completion in 2026.

Questions?

Find answers below to frequently asked questions about B2H. If you have more questions or information you want to share, send an email to b2h@idahopower.com.

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