The Bowmont to Hubbard upgrade will help ensure the electric system can continue to deliver safe, reliable service as the region grows.
About the Project
The Bowmont to Hubbard project will upgrade an existing transmission line to carry more electricity and support the area’s growing energy needs.
The project is located in Ada County, connecting Idaho Power’s Bowmont Station, south of Nampa, to the Hubbard Substation located east of Kuna.
This upgrade includes replacing an existing 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line with a new 230-kV line, which can carry more power. In many areas, the project will use double-circuit poles, meaning the new 230-kV line will be built on the same structures as the existing 138-kV line.
Line Details
- Line Length: 16 miles
- Pole Height: typically 120 feet, depending on terrain
- Pole spacing: 600 feet
Whenever possible, construction will take place within Idaho Power’s existing rights-of-way and easements. In limited areas where new access is needed, Idaho Power will work directly with landowners to secure easements after receiving the required permits from Ada County and the city of Kuna.
Purpose and Need
Idaho Power is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy to all of our customers. As the Treasure Valley continues to grow, more homes, businesses, and farms are using electricity. To keep up, we need to strengthen and expand our transmission system.
Parts of the existing transmission system in southern Ada County and Kuna are reaching their capacity. Without upgrades, this could increase the risk of outages, particularly during times when energy demand is high, such as hot summer days.
This project is part of long-term planning to serve the region’s future energy needs. In 2012, local leaders identified these types of upgrades as a priority in the Eastern Treasure Valley Electrical Plan, which looks ahead at growth, energy demand, and reliability. Community representatives, including business leaders, local governments, and other stakeholders, helped shape that plan and the ideas behind this project.
When complete, the upgraded line will help deliver additional energy into the region, including power from the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) transmission line, which is expected to be in service in late 2027. This will improve reliability and help meet future demand for electricity in the Treasure Valley.
Benefits
Reliable Power
Reduces strain on existing lines to deliver energy safely and consistently when customers need it most.
Meets Demand
Adds capacity to meet increasing energy needs for homes, farms, and businesses.
Manages Costs
Shares resources across regions to reduce the need for additional infrastructure and help keep costs down.
Regional Connectivity
Expands access to domestic energy resources to support a dependable, resilient power supply.
Questions?
Contact Idaho Power facility siting coordinator Jeff Maffuccio at jmaffuccio@idahopower.com