Transmission is the network of high-voltage power lines that allows electricity once produced to travel from the generation source to the local distribution system to meet consumer needs. Much like an interstate highway system that moves people and goods from one place to another, a transmission system moves energy where it’s needed. The transmission lines are the most visible part of a vast and complex electric system that requires careful monitoring and operational excellence.

Rocky Mountain Power's parent company, PacifiCorp owns and operates one of the largest privately held transmission systems in the U.S. Its goal is to provide efficient, low cost and reliable transmission services to all users of the system.

Significant additions to our electric transmission system will be needed in the next 10 years. We have projects underway to address those needs. Learn more about Rocky Mountain Power's  system improvements.  

Transmission system fast facts

Company: PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho
Customers: Provide high-voltage delivery of electric power and energy to approximately 1.6 million customers and non-affiliated, transmission-dependent utilities
Area served: 750 communities in six western states
System Cost: More than $2 billion
Area Covered: Extends nearly 15,000 pole miles across 10 states in the western U.S.
System: Interconnected with more than 80 generating plants and 15 adjacent control areas at 124 interconnection points

PacifiCorp's transmission asset ownership and commitment to provide non-discriminatory, open-access transmission service has resulted in its proactive involvement in recent transmission industry changes. PacifiCorp has had an open access transmission tariff on file at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) since 1989. PacifiCorp's transmission business operates independently and markets its transmission services using an Open Access Same-time Information System.