Increased energy use creates need for Chelan area substations
Story and Interviews by Dennis Rahm
Two new substations will be operating in the Lake Chelan Valley within the next three to four years as the Chelan County PUD looks to meet increased power demands while maintaining reliable electrical service.
A new substation on the Northshore of Lake Chelan has been sited on a plot of land located off Henderson Road and the design phase of the project is now underway. The PUD is also planning an additional substation in southeast Chelan that will bring to seven the number of substations that serve the Valley. PUD Director of Customer Service Andy Wendell says the newest substation and transmission line will need to be constructed in an area of southeast Chelan near the dam.
In an interview with LakeChelanNow, Wendell said that substation siting in proximity to need and connection to existing lines are imperative. He said they are seeking local input about specific location options for the new substation.
Wendell indicated the PUD is hosting an informational drop-in session for area residents on Wednesday, March 13 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce as an opportunity for staff to answer questions and to receive feedback from the public.
Audio #1 – Chelan Meeting
The need for additional substations in the area is tied directly to the fact that energy use in the Lake Chelan Valley has grown three to five times higher than in other areas of Chelan County since 2015. Wendell talks about why that is.
Audio #2 – Energy Use Growth
Once community input is gathered, the PUD hopes to begin the property acquisition and permitting phase in 2020. It’s anticipated the substation would be online by January of 2024. Although a site hasn’t been selected, the PUD does own property in the area that may be able to be used. The PUD owned property near the dam is also being utilized by the Trails Alliance. Wendell explains just how much land is needed for a new substation.
Audio #3 – How much land is needed
Costs of building out a new substation can range from $3-million to $6-million. For more information on this project visit online at www.chelanpud.org/chelandamsubstation
Look for more interviews with Andy Wendell, Chelan County PUD, on this week’s episode of Making Waves.
