Bonneville power administration's prototype 1100/1200 kV transmission line project

Studies indicate that power transmission lines with capacities of 8,000 to 10,000 MW will be needed in the 1980's to meet anticipated Trans-Cascade Mountain transmission requirements in the Pacific Northwest. One attractive alternative to meeting these needs is to overlay BPA's 500 kV grid with an 1100 kV transmission system. In order to verify the adequacy of the 1100 kV line design before a commitment for an 1100 kV system is made, it has been decided to build and operate a short prototype three-phase electrical line and a short mechanical test line. The two lines will be completed by the end of 1976 at which time an extensive test program including mechanical, electrical; and biological tests will commence.