FAQs
What is OPPD doing?
OPPD is upgrading our transmission and distribution systems in Bellevue to enhance community resilience and reliability and pave the way for planned business growth. The effort will include building new transmission lines, one substation, and new distribution lines.
What is the timeline?
OPPD is working with customers on the route and expects to announce plans for the new southeast transmission line in mid-2026 and the Olde Towne line in late 2026 or early 2027, with construction beginning in 2028. We expect to complete work and energize the new southeast line in 2028, and Olde Towne in 2029.
What is the purpose of this project?
These upgrades will provide significant benefits to resiliency and growth. We will be able to power the significant business growth in the Bellevue area, replace aging infrastructure, remove parts of our system from the floodplain, and improve overall reliability.
How will OPPD pay for this project? Will this project affect my monthly utility rates?
Funding for the construction of this project will come from OPPD’s existing capital expenditure budget, which allows us to pay for the project over time to mitigate rate impacts to the public.
Who will be impacted as OPPD builds this new line?
We will be working with customers as we begin planning for and identifying the transmission line routes, beginning in early 2026.
How will this impact Olde Towne?
Our routing and siting process will determine the exact route, and we will be working with customers as we size up the best options.
How will I know if my property may be impacted?
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 to and acknowledge concerns, and work toward ensuring our transmission corridors are free from hazards or obstacles.
Once a final route 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 process we follow to acquire the right to build out our new transmission corridors.
Will trees be cut down during construction?
Trees and power lines are not compatible. OPPD will remove trees within transmission corridor 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.