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 PacifiCorp. Idaho Power is leading federal, state and local permitting efforts, as well as the engineering and construction processes. PacifiCorp owns 55% of the project. Idaho Power owns 45%. According to the terms of an agreement finalized March 24, 2023, Idaho Power will recover part of its costs by delivering energy to Bonneville Power Administration customers in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

What’s the schedule?

Idaho Power plans to start construction in the second half of 2024. We hope to finish the line 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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