FAQs

 The new transmission line will be carried on engineered steel poles more than 100 feet tall, spaced anywhere from 450 to 600 feet apart. This spacing is equivalent to one and a half football fields. The monopoles range in size but will generally be taller than the Stinson Park tower.

The new transmission structures will be monopoles, similar in appearance to the existing poles along the route. In areas where OPPD plans to rebuild the current transmission lines, structures will be taller. This additional height is needed to safely accommodate the new, three phase 161kV transmission line and support increased power transfer between the two substations at each end of the project.

We expect to gather community input over the next several months and then announce a final route in Q3 2026. We will stay in contact with potentially impacted customers and landowners throughout the process and work to minimize impacts to landowners, where possible.  

The transmission line construction would likely start in 2028. However, some pre-construction activities such as surveying, sub-surface facility explorations and distribution upgrades in the area would likely happen as early as Q2 2026.  

Funding for this project will come from OPPD’s existing capital expenditure budget. This project will not directly result in a rate increase for individual residential customers. Any potential rate increases must be approved by the OPPD Board of Directors and are determined based on several factors besides capital expenditure.  

If infrastructure upgrades aren’t made, OPPD’s system could become less reliable and incapable of meeting increased peak demand for electricity as our service area grows and existing customers continue to use more power. 

We will work with customers as we begin planning for and identifying the transmission line routes, beginning in early 2026.  

The exact details of the substation expansion are still under review.  

Yes. Trees and power lines are not compatible. OPPD will remove trees within the transmission easement and trees in danger of falling within 15 feet of the power line. Every effort will be made to limit the impacts to trees and vegetation, but some trees and brush must be cleared to prepare for construction and to enable reliable and safe operation of the transmission lines.   

OPPD uses a routing, siting and public involvement process to determine the placement of rebuilt and new transmission lines. OPPD’s promise to the public is to keep them informed, listen and acknowledge concerns, and work toward resolving encroachments. Once a final alignment is determined, OPPD will work directly with impacted landowners to gather additional information used for the detailed design of the transmission line and will explain the easement acquisition process.