USA, Washington, Winlock: Lewis County Public Utility District has energised a new substation in Winlock, Washington, marking the first substation the utility has built in roughly two decades.
The new substation uses a 25 MW transformer to connect 69 kV power lines to the local 12 kV distribution network. It began service with eight circuits, four of which will supply local towns, homes, businesses and other customers. The remaining four circuits will serve the nearby Winlock industrial park, located along Interstate 5 and north of State Route 505.
The facility is now operational and is expected to strengthen power supply for Winlock, Toledo and a nearby industrial park. It represents the first phase of what is planned to become the largest substation ever built by Lewis County PUD.
Lewis County PUD General Manager David Plotz said the substation would serve both current residents and future users in the area. Engineering Manager Travis Kinney compared the substation to an offramp from a high-voltage electricity “freeway”, reducing voltage for local distribution to businesses and homes.
The project, together with related transmission line improvements serving Winlock and Toledo, is expected to cost around $15.6 M. According to the utility, the substation was funded through state and federal grants, along with about $11 M in private contributions from the Benaroya Company and EQT Exeter.
Officials, utility staff and local stakeholders attended an energisation ceremony to mark the start of operations.
Source: The Chronicle
