Pacific DC Intertie

The Pacific DC Intertie is a high-voltage direct current transmission line stretching approximately 846 miles from northern Oregon to the Los Angeles area. It runs through Nevada and California, carrying electrical power at a capacity of about 3100 megawatts.

President John F. Kennedy approved this transmission project in 1961, and the line first operated in 1970 after several years of construction. This created a direct connection to deliver electricity from the Pacific Northwest to California's growing population.

The transmission line represents a collaboration between American and Swedish engineering companies, demonstrating international technological partnership in energy infrastructure development.

The line runs from Celilo Converter Station near The Dalles in Oregon to Sylmar Converter Station north of Los Angeles. Various viewpoints and information sites exist along the route, though most of the active infrastructure is not open to the public for safety reasons.

The system transports electricity generated from Columbia River hydroelectric dams, allowing Los Angeles to access significantly cheaper power. This long-distance connection has proven to be one of the most economical ways to deliver affordable energy across such a vast region.

Location: Oregon

Location: Nevada

Location: California

Inception: 1970

GPS coordinates: 45.59417,-121.11417

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08