Project Overview
As part of Idaho Power’s ongoing wildfire prevention efforts across our service area, we are partnering with the City of Boise to remove a section of overhead powerline near Hulls Gulch Reserve in the lower Boise Foothills. This overhead line will be replaced with an underground line along N. Sunset Peak Road, from approximately Camels Back Park to below Highland View Drive, near the Foothills Learning Center.
This project is designed to improve safety and reliability in the area. By undergrounding this segment of the powerline, we aim to strengthen the grid, reduce wildfire risk, and ensure continued reliable service in the future.
Construction Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-February and is anticipated to be complete in May 2025. Vehicle and roadway access will be maintained along N. Sunset Peak Road. Flaggers and signage will be present to assist drivers. Please drive with caution during construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the lines being moved underground?
Hulls Gulch Reserve is a high public use area with elevated wildfire risk due to factors like potential for rapid fire spread, dense homes, limitations for ingress and egress, terrain, and weather patterns. This area also includes critical water supply infrastructure. Undergrounding the powerlines helps safeguard vital public resources from potential wildfire impacts and enhances power reliability to the water supply systems that serve neighborhoods throughout the area.
Will I still be able to access the Foothills Learning Center and the trails? What about road access?
We understand that the Hulls Gulch Reserve and surrounding trails are popular recreation spots. We’re committed to maintaining recreation access throughout the project and minimizing disruptions as much as possible. Vehicle access along N. Sunset Peak will also remain open during construction.
Will there be power outages while the line is being built?
As with any project, we’ll avoid outages as much as possible as we underground the line. When outages are necessary, we’ll keep them as short as possible, and we’ll directly notify customers who will be affected before the outages occur.
Why aren’t all powerlines built underground?
Idaho Power takes a strategic approach to reducing wildfire risk, which includes a variety of mitigation measures, such as enhanced vegetation management, grid hardening, protective equipment, and, in some cases, undergrounding power lines.
While undergrounding can be an effective solution in certain areas, it’s not always feasible or the best approach for every situation. The decision to underground power lines is based on multiple factors, including wildfire risk modeling, input from fire agencies, system configuration, logistical challenges, and potential impacts on people, property, and critical resources. Additionally, undergrounding can be significantly more expensive and time-intensive than overhead lines, making it impractical for widespread implementation across our entire service area.
Instead, we evaluate each area carefully and apply the most effective risk-reduction strategies to enhance safety and reliability for our customers.
What is Idaho Power doing to prevent and respond to wildfires?
Idaho Power has developed a wildfire mitigation plan as part of our constant work to deliver safe, reliable, affordable energy. This plan helps us prepare for and respond to wildfires. Idaho Power’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan can be found at www.idahopower.com/wildfire