Deschutes County Commissioners urge PacifiCorp to consider Route D for transmission line
KTVZ News Team
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Last month, we shared the concerns residents have about a proposed PacifiCorp transmission line.
The electric company’s 180-mile Blueprint South transmission line project would run from Powell Butte to Chiloquin.
PacifiCorp is currently considering four possible routes for the line. Two of those options, Route A and Route B, have drawn pushback from residents.
Now, in a letter to PacifiCorp, Deschutes County Commissioners Chang and DeBone have requested that Route D be considered.
They cited that Route D would have the least impact on residential and agricultural properties in Deschutes County.
“Looking at the map, I do think that route D, does a pretty good job of avoiding, residential properties, utilizing existing transmission corridors, you know, places where there’s already power lines,” said Commissioner Phil Chang.
In the letter, they also offered an alternative hybrid route. Commissioner Chang says using parts of Routes A, B, and C could avoid building new infrastructure through public lands.
The letter supported the line and the increase in grid capacity and reliability it will bring.
It’s just a request from the commissioners because Deschutes County does not have authority over the siting of the transmission line. That authority belongs at the state level.