About the Project
Idaho Power is rebuilding a portion of the transmission line along Chicken Dinner Road to improve reliability and better serve the growing needs of the community.
This project includes upgrading about six miles of line just west of Lake Lowell, between Lewis Lane and Darrow Lane. The existing wood poles will be replaced with new weathered steel poles, and the line will be rebuilt in roughly the same location.
To keep power flowing during construction, the new poles will be installed alongside the existing line before it is removed. The new structures will also be taller, which helps meet modern safety standards and allows space for additional equipment, like lightning protection.
When complete, this upgraded line will provide more reliable service and increase the amount of electricity available to homes, farms, and businesses in the area.
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.
Timeline and Current Status
Construction for this project is already underway and will take place in phases. This approach helps reduce overall costs, limit disruptions, and keep power flowing to customers during the work. We’re also coordinating closely with contractors to minimize impacts to traffic, farming operations, and nearby businesses.
Specific construction activities and schedules are still being finalized. As more details are confirmed, Idaho Power will share updates directly with affected landowners and the community.
The transmission line upgrade is expected to be completed in 2026, with ongoing efforts to align construction timing with the needs of local residents and businesses.
April 29, 2026 Update
Idaho Power crews are making great progress on this project. All new steel transmission poles have been set, and the crews are stringing new wire in the final section of the project from Lowell Road north to Darrow Lane. All new transmission wires will be clipped into place in the next few weeks.
Over the next month, Idaho Power crews will work back along the entire stretch of the project, setting lower-voltage distribution poles and installing new wire. The project is on track for completion in early summer 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t Idaho Power just build more local energy resources instead of new transmission?
We need both local energy resources and a strong transmission system. Local generation, such as gas fired power plants or solar, helps meet demand close to where it’s used. But transmission lines are what move electricity across the system and ensure it gets where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
Upgrading transmission improves reliability, increases capacity, and allows us to deliver energy more efficiently across the region. It also helps us make the best use of all available energy resources, both local and regional.
Is this new transmission line enabling Idaho Power to sell energy to other states?
No. This project is focused on serving Idaho Power customers here in the Treasure Valley.
While transmission systems are connected across the region, the main purpose of this upgrade is to bring more energy into southern Ada County and Kuna to meet growing local demand and improve reliability—not to export power out of state.
How does Idaho Power work with landowners?
We believe the best projects are built by working closely with the communities we serve.
When a project requires access to land, Idaho Power works directly with property owners to secure easements. An easement allows us to build, operate, and maintain a power line on a portion of private property, while the landowner continues to own and use the land.
We meet with landowners early in the process, explain the project, answer questions, and work one-on-one to reach a fair agreement. Easements typically include compensation and outline how the land can continue to be used.
Are electric and magnetic fields (EMF) dangerous?
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are a natural part of using electricity. They’re present anywhere electricity is flowing such as inside your home, in appliances, and along power lines.
EMFs from transmission lines decrease quickly as you move away from them. At short distances, EMF levels are often similar to, or lower than, what you might experience from common household wiring and devices.
EMFs have been widely studied for decades. Based on this research, EMFs like those from power lines have not been shown to cause harm to people, animals, or crops.
Questions?
If you have questions, contact Jamison Loveless at jloveless@idahopower.com or 208-388-2671.