Due to aging infrastructure and the growing energy needs of the Hermiston area, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) will be rebuilding 17 miles of existing transmission line along Elm Avenue.
According to UEC, the rebuild will ensure that members will experience safe and reliable power for years to come and will aid in shorter outage restoration times to individuals in the area. The construction will begin near I-82 west of Hermiston and will head east along Elm Avenue to South Edwards Road, outside of Hermiston.
The work should wrap up in June.
The lines predominately serve residential and agricultural loads, which continue to experience growth. UEC said the rebuild is necessary to continue providing reliable, cost-effective power while supporting growth into the future.
The rebuild of this portion of transmission lines includes replacing the current poles with 10-20 foot taller, weathered steel poles. UEC said it may install its distribution underground in some areas.
UEC said it intends to work closely with neighbors to ensure that all improvements are performed safely, and with as minimal disruption to the environment and the communities as possible.
During the construction stage, several vehicles will be involved in the process, which may mean reduced traffic speeds and possible congestion in the area.
Most of the work will be conducted without the need to interrupt power. In some instances, an outage of one hour or more may be needed to safely transfer power to the new lines. Affected members will be notified in advance of a planned outage.
