Sierra Pacific Power Company has cranked up a new, 345,000 volt transmission in eastern Nevada that the company says will improve power reliability in the region.

Company officials say the line will allow the delivery of an additional 250 megawatts of electricity to northern Nevada and northeastern California. One megawatt is enough power for about 650 homes.

The transmission line spans 180 miles between the Gonder substation near Ely and the Falcon substation west of Carlin.

Officials say it provides an additional transmission connection near the Nevada-Utah line to other electric systems in the West to help meet power demands.

Sierra Pacific's peak demand for electricity reached a new record of 1,657 megawatts on July 30 last year. Officials believe peak demand this summer could reach 1,700 megawatts.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)