BENTON COUNTY, Wash. – The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is planning a significant upgrade to the Tri-Cities’ electric infrastructure.
The project includes constructing an 18-mile-long 115-kilovolt transmission line and a new substation, the BPA said in a release.
BPA said the project is part of a broader Tri-Cities Reinforcement program that will increase transmission capacity by 66 percent and provide an alternative path for electricity, reducing the chance of unplanned outages.
The project involves building a new Webber Canyon Substation and connecting it to the existing Badger Canyon Substation. Fiber optic cables will also be installed to enhance operational communication.
BPA said it has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to analyze potential environmental impacts.
Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026 if the project proceeds.
