What do we know about the new transmission lines?

We know that the lines will carry 115 kilovolts of electricity, up from the current 12.5 kilovolts.  The poles will be 100 feet tall, up from the current 40 feet.  We believe these will be single poles with three arms on them, each carrying a high voltage transmission line.  The current 12.5 kV lines will eventually be moved to the new poles, along with lines from other utilities (Comcast etc).  The high voltage lines themselves are ACSS – aluminum conductor steel supported.  They are aluminum wire wrapped in steel for strength.

When is PGE planning to discuss this with anyone?

PGE has had many opportunities to come to our neighborhood meetings, Clackamas County Board meetings, PUC meetings, and to reach out to individual homeowners. While they have shown up occasionally, our community seems to be better informed than the representatives they have sent to read soothing boilerplate to us. Their lack of transparency is becoming one of the major problems in this fight.

How many trees will be affected by this plan?

PGE doesn't have a total yet, but we are hearing from neighbors who will be having upwards of 20 trees removed from their properties. The potential is for hundreds of trees to be removed or mangled.  PGE does seem willing to work to plant new trees and do other landscaping.

What about burying the lines underground?

PGE says that burying such high voltage lines is normally only done for short distances, like going under a river.  We really need someone outside PGE to confirm this.

Can we move the lines elsewhere?

We are currently reaching out to non-PGE experts to see if the overall voltage can be broken down into smaller lines along several routes rather than one big line on Stafford. An alternative route along I-205 and I-5 is only about half a mile longer, but ODOT is insisting that people might crash into the poles. No concern has been shown for the potential increase in crashes along Stafford, a winding road where people routinely travel at speeds upwards of 50 mph.

How will this affect property values?

It won't be good.  The offers people have been getting from PGE range from about $2,500 to about $17,000.  We believe this is a significant underestimation of the actual effect on property values, but property valuation can only be understood on a case-by-case basis.  We are working to get many of the affected properties appraised at current value and estimated post-line value.  One neighbor's Condemnation - Property devaluation report says his property would lose $458,000 compared to the $8,000 PGE offered him.

Further reading: https://cre.org/real-estate-issues/power-lines-and-property-prices/

What can I do to help?

Please reach out to your neighbors, first and foremost.  Many people aren't aware that this is even happening.  

Come to every meeting - we will update meeting times on the front page of this website and via email newsletter.

If you know of any expert resources who would be willing to help us with their opinions or guidance, we need them.  

We have retained a land-use lawyer and have consulted with several experts in electrical engineering, environmental and fire issues, and more. We need help funding these important experts.

HERE IS A LINK TO THE GOFUNDME.

Please reach out through the survey or via email at edawagner@gmail.com!