Mt. Shasta system resiliency

We’re taking actions to enhance reliability and reduce the risk of equipment-related wildfires, including by replacing aging overhead power lines in areas with higher wildfire risk with fire-resistant infrastructure, such as covered conductor, and undergrounding lines in some areas.

The Mt. Shasta projects will result in about 72 miles of covered conductor, with nearly 15 miles of spacer cable and 55 miles of tree wire. These enhancements will help adapt our system to the growing threat of wildfire in the West.

• The Mt. Shasta projects will improve our system by enhancing the power lines which transmit and deliver electricity to our customers, helping to improve reliability even as we work to mitigate growing wildfire risks.
• In many areas, wooden poles are being replaced with steel poles to reduce wildfire risk. 
• Tree wire, a specialized type of wire, is being used in the project to help protect against damage caused by nearby plants and vegetation. Its thicker coating and insulation also help prevent deterioration.
• In some locations larger capacity lines are being installed, increasing reliability and service for our customers and communities.

• The project areas include Mt. Shasta, the downtown area, Mt. Shasta Ski Resort and areas south of Mt. Shasta.

• In 2024, 15 segments of distribution lines were rebuilt with covered conductor, which helps reduce wildfire risk, totaling 46 miles in the Mt. Shasta area.

Mt. Shasta 4-kilovolt | three segments | Q1-Q2 2025

• Crews are replacing overhead conductor through the Mt. Shasta downtown area, largely with tree wire. These projects will also improve power delivery by increasing the line voltage from 4 kilovolts to 12 kilovolts.
• This requires the replacement of most distribution transformers. These steps will result in additional capacity for the area and increased reliability, benefitting customers.
• The project will include the replacement of power poles, most of which are located within public rights of way (city and county roads and public utility easements).

Truck Village Drive | one segment | Q2 2025

• Crews are replacing about four miles of bare conductor with tree wire on the north side of Mt. Shasta.
• This requires replacement of existing transmission structures underneath existing transmission wires.

Mt. Shasta Mainline | two segments | Q2 2025

• Crews are replacing about eight miles of bare conductor with tree wire on the north side of Mt. Shasta.
• This requires replacement of existing transmission structures underneath existing transmission wires.

Mt. Shasta Ski Resort | two segments | Q1-Q4 2025

• Replacement of about four miles of overhead conductor with about six miles of underground conductor in and around the Mt. Shasta Ski Resort.
• The existing pole line and right of way through the U.S. Forest Service lands will be removed and remediated, per U.S. Forest Service specifications.
• The new route will be along existing roads on both U.S. Forest Service lands and private lands. 

Shotgun Creek North | 2025 - 2026

• Crews will replace 8.8 miles of overhead conductor with 7.3 miles of covered tree wire and 1.5 miles of underground line. This project will include replacing 60 wooden distribution poles and 62 wooden transmission poles with steel poles. Construction is planned for July 2025 to April 2026. 

Shotgun Creek South | 2025 - 2026

• Crews will replace 15 miles of overhead conductor with covered tree wire. Improvements also include replacing 218 wooden distribution poles and 137 wooden transmission poles with steel poles. Work is planned to take place from June 2025 through April 2026.    

Dog Creek | 2025 - 2026

• Crews will replace 2 miles of overhead conductor with covered tree wire, which will include replacing 41 distribution and 15 wooden transmission poles with steel poles. Construction is planned for August 2025 to November 2025.     

• Pacific Power Wildfire Safety
• PacifiCorp Wildfire Mitigation Plans