This section of the line will be 5.6 miles long and feature steel single poles. The other end of this project will connect to Hermiston, supporting the regional grid.
Location: McNary, OR
The McNary to Wanapa Transmission Line has completed a necessary expansion of electrical capacity to support the regional gris and accommodate community growth. This transmission line connects BPA’s McNary substation to UEC’s Wanapa substation located at the Port of Umatilla.
Anticipated Construction Schedule
Start Date: Fall 2024
Completion Date: October 2025
Line Details:
- Miles of Line: 5.6 miles
- Type of Line: 230 kV Transmission Line
- Height of Poles: Up to 135 feet
- Span between Structures: 400-800 feet
Why Add Capacity?
UEC needed to invest in new infrastructure to meet the increased need of the rapidly growing region, including supporting development at the Port of Umatilla Industrial Park. The added transmission line supports the regional grid and anticipated community growth.
UEC’s Commitment to Our Membership
Transmission lines are critical links in the electric distribution system. As our communities continue to grow, UEC is committed to investing in the infrastructure to serve our communities.
Benefits and Value Carefully Considered
We are committed to our communities and citizens who reside in them. Umatilla Electric is a partner in economical development within the region.
Proposed Transmission Line Route Map:
We grow with our communities in mind.
Careful consideration is taken to increase the benefits our members, partners and the community experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Depending on the design requirements, the height of the transmission line structures would be 100 to 120 feet and the span between structures will be approximately 500 feet.
The build-out of this 230 kV transmission connection between the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) McNary substation and UEC’s Wanapa substation will support industrial areas around the region. This will also provide additional renewable and traditional power sources to both areas thus improving connectivity and resiliency within UEC’s transmission power grid.
Electric and magnetic fields, commonly known as EMF, exist wherever electricity is produced or used, including around any electric appliance or wire that conducts electricity. Whenever you turn on a lamp, use a microwave, or use your computer, these frequencies are around.
The electric power we use in America is a 60 Hertz (Hz) alternating current, meaning the electric charges move back and forth 60 times per second, creating an “extremely low frequency” field. These are different from the much higher frequency fields associated with radio and TV waves and cell phone signals.
The issue has been studied for more than 40 years by governments and scientific organizations around the world. The balance of scientific evidence indicates exposure to electric and magnetic fields cannot conclusively be linked to the cause of disease. Organizations include the World Health Organization the United States National Cancer Institute and others.
Results of more than 40 years of studies by government and scientific organizations around the world indicate exposure to electric and magnetic fields does not cause disease. Organizations include the World Health Organization the United States National Cancer Institute, and others.