The Bonneville Power Administration and Portland General Electric have identified terms and conditions to be addressed in connection with their discussions concerning joint development of PGE’s proposed Cascade Crossing Transmission Project.

The terms and conditions include a broad range of technical studies, economic considerations and other work necessary for the parties to further evaluate the project and their scope of participation.

“PGE is committed to working with BPA and other regional utilities to develop a project that would help meet the state’s growing energy needs, including renewable power, and strengthen reliability of the Northwest’s grid,” said Bill Nicholson, senior vice president for customer service, transmission and distribution. “This agreement is part of a collaborative relationship with BPA to ensure we meet our respective customers’ transmission needs.”

“We continue to explore cost-effective ways to meet the region’s growing electricity needs,” said Brian Silverstein, BPA Transmission Services senior vice president. “We are always willing to explore ways to provide benefits to ratepayers throughout the Northwest and minimize the need for new transmission facilities.”

PGE has proposed Cascade Crossing, a 500-kV transmission line running from Boardman, Oregon, to the Salem, Oregon, area, to help meet Oregon’s growing energy needs, enhance reliability of the electrical grid and allow for development of more renewable power projects to help meet the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The project would connect new and existing energy generating resources east of the Cascades to the Willamette Valley.

PGE previously executed memorandums of understanding for discussion surrounding Cascade Crossing with PacifiCorp, Idaho Power and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS). In order to build the project, PGE must obtain approvals from the CTWS, state and federal governments. PGE has submitted a Notice of Intent to apply for an Energy Facility Site Certificate from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council and has applied to the federal government for right-of-way grants and special use authorization to cross federally managed lands. PGE is in the second year of what is expected to be more than a three-year permitting process, which includes a variety of opportunities for public input.