Warm Springs Power Pathway
The Warm Springs Power Pathway project, jointly coordinated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Portland General Electric, will upgrade the existing Bethel-Round Butte transmission line, expanding capacity to address critical transmission constraints and deliver more electricity to Oregon’s densely populated areas west of the Cascade Mountain Range. This line is a crucial artery in the region’s transmission system and a key investment in national security and American prosperity.
The Warm Springs Power Pathway delivers power generated from the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric project that originates on the Warm Springs Reservation, and spans nearly 100 miles from Madras to Salem. A 31-mile section of the line passes through the Warm Springs Reservation.
The Warm Springs Power Pathway delivers power generated from the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric project that originates on the Warm Springs Reservation, and spans nearly 100 miles from Madras to Salem. A 31-mile section of the line passes through the Warm Springs Reservation.
The Warm Springs Power Pathway delivers power generated from the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric project to the west side of the Cascade Mountains.
It originates on the Warm Springs Reservation, and spans nearly 100 miles between Madras and Salem in Oregon. A 31-mile section of the line passes through the Warm Springs Reservation.
Project Overview
In 2023, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs was selected to receive a $250 million Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to rebuild the 100-mile, 230 kV line and upgrade it to 500 kV.
This will upgrade a line built in the 1960s to address transmission constraints and increase access to electricity generated east of the Cascade Mountain Range. The upgrade will increase transmission capacity to improve reliability, help meet growing electrical demand and deliver more electricity from Central Oregon to more densely populated areas.
A key element to meeting the regional energy supply needs for communities and businesses, this project will also install new, high-capacity fiber optic cables along the route and provide essential economic opportunity to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises General Manager Cathy Ehli introduces the project
Project Benefits
Once complete, it will deliver abundant, reliable American energy to serve our nation’s economic interest and meet customer demand.
It will also:
Increase the power delivered via a crucial artery in the region’s transmission system
Improve Central Oregon’s broadband internet infrastructure
Create an estimated 700 construction jobs over the life of the project
Support growth of high-tech industries, including data centers and artificial intelligence
Improve grid reliability, resilience and security
Upgrade wooden transmission structures to steel
Support tribal sovereignty
Project Timeline
Schedule and scope are subject to change.
Project Timeline
Schedule and scope are subject to change.
Supporting Tribal Sovereignty
The Warm Springs Power Pathway will expand the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs’ energy leadership and revenue growth to support government operations like fish reintroduction, natural resource management, housing and social services, education and clean water for its Tribal Nation.
Watch the video to learn more about the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs