In an effort to provide safe, reliable and cost effective electrical service to customers, Pacific Power is planning to install a new transmission line.

The proposed line would connect the Walla Walla substation with existing substations at Wallula and McNary, running from Walla Walla to just north of Touchet and then along the Columbia River to Umatilla.

In its March newsletter, the power company said the new line would benefit customers by creating a link to the most affordable sources of electricity, improve reliability and provide access to renewable energy and other resource options.

To obtain public input, Pacific Power is holding public open house meetings this week in the following locations:

?6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday at the Walla Walla Regional Airport & Industrial Park conference room, 310 A St., Walla Walla.

?6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Desert River Inn, cottonwood room, 705 Willamette St., Umatilla.

?6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Touchet School District multi-purpose room, 90 Champion St., Touchet.

Call Bill Clemens at (509) 552-7007, e-mail constructionprojects@pacificorp.com (include the project name Walla Walla to McNary Transmission Project when contacting Pacific Power) or visit www.pacificpower.net/transmission.