Document text
3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Pat Benatar concert canceled at Britt ... Ashland police bait bike snares former EcoCab owner ... Independent Party recognized as major political party in Oregon ... Pat Benatar concert canceled at Britt ... Ashland police bait bike snares former EcoCab owner ... Independent Party recognized as major political party in Oregon ... OUR VIEW Our View: Sams Valley residents outmatched in power struggle Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 14, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Aug. 14, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Sams Valley residents opposing PacifiCorp's plan to build a substation off Highway 234 are understandably upset. Substations are not attractive, especially in rural areas, and are particularly unattractive next to residences. But substations are also an essential part of a power system that serves everyone, and any location will affect someone. The purpose of this substation is to reduce voltage from 500 kilovolts to 230 kilovolts and send that lower voltage to a substation in Grants Pass. A page on PacifiCorp's website explains that the site in Sams Valley was chosen because it is adjacent to an existing 500 kV line and a 115 kV line that already leads to the Grants Pass substation. The power company plans to add the necessary 230 kV line alongside the existing line, because that will avoid having to build new transmission lines through presently undisturbed areas. The Sams Valley residents argue that the substation should be built in an industrial area such as White City, rather than their rural residential area. PacifiCorp acknowledges the station could be built elsewhere, but that would mean constructing new transmission lines through areas where they do not now exist, which would mean disrupting other people's neighborhoods and views. Opponents accuse PacifiCorp of choosing the Sams Valley location because it's cheaper than putting it elsewhere. That's undoubtedly a consideration, but it's worth remembering that, as a public utility, PacifiCorp passes on its costs to ratepayers — including those who live in Sams Valley. Power companies must adjust their networks of transmission lines and substations to accommodate growth and make sure all power customers are supplied with reliable electrical service. Unfortunately, that means unsightly substations, which must be built somewhere. It's worth noting that, while PacifiCorp recently purchased 17 acres where the substation is planned, the utility has owned two other parcels that make up the site since 1967 and 1989, respectively, so this is hardly a last-minute decision on the company's part. If Sams Valley residents insist the substation should not be built in their area, they are asking the power company to disrupt some other area with new transmission lines to accommodate their wishes. The Sams Valley residents say they are determined to change PacifiCorp's plans, and have collected hundreds of signatures on a petition. But PacifiCorp representatives say they encounter opposition to nine out of 10 substation projects. The residents' objections are understandable, but in the end, they are unlikely to prevail. For its part, PacifiCorp should do everything possible to address residents' concerns by screening the substation with trees and shielding any necessary lighting as much as possible. The opponents will probably have to resign themselves to living with what is an unfortunate byproduct of a growing population.   MailTribune.com Writer Posted Aug. 14, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501