Idaho Power has commissioned Leidos to support the design phase of the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) project. B2H is a proposed 500 kV transmission line that will span 290 miles from eastern Oregon to southwestern Idaho and will carry reliable, affordable, clean energy between the regions. Through this multi-million dollar contract, Leidos will design the 500 kV high voltage transmission line and support permitting efforts for construction and related activities.
“Through this contract, we have the opportunity to provide cost-effective solutions to support Idaho Power’s goal of coal plant generation retirement, while also meeting future power demand for the region,” said Raymond Okeke, vice-president, Leidos Power Delivery Services. “We are excited to play a critical role in working to create a cleaner, more reliable future for people across the Northwest, while also boosting economic growth in the region.”
B2H will help utility companies in Oregon, Idaho and nearby states meet customers’ peak seasonal demand. It will provide additional energy to meet new power-intensive demands from businesses like data centers and food processing plants that are requesting renewable power. Additional transmission lines will also help prevent future blackouts. Idaho Power expects to finalize B2H permitting in 2022. Construction is planned to begin in 2023 and take three to four years.
Leidos works with utilities across the country to design and implement renewable energy power integration projects tailored to the specific needs to both investor owned and municipal utilities.
