Springwater Substation

Wenatchee Foothills

Planning to Power - all the way to 2075

Substations are an integral part of Chelan PUD’s electrical power system, bringing together generation, transmission, and distribution. In alignment with the long-range vision of Imagine 2075, the Substation Program provides a strategic framework for proactively improving and expanding substation infrastructure. The PUD's Substation Program ensures we can continue delivering safe, reliable power to meet the evolving needs of Chelan County. 

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 Please email customeroutreach@chelanpud.org or
 call 509-661-8563.

Background

When an existing substation is consistently reaching 80% capacity, it triggers the PUD to begin looking into the need for a new substation. The PUD refers to this as an 80/20 Model and it initiates the process of identifying a location for a new substation and the associated transmission and distribution lines, in order to continue resilient and reliable service.

Chelan County PUD is planning for a new substation on the WSU Tree Fruit Research Center to serve the west Wenatchee area. The existing substations currently serving the area are nearing capacity. A new substation is needed to redistribute existing electrical load and serve future growth and development.

80-20 graphic

What's Happening Now?

  • Chelan PUD and WSU finalized real estate agreements necessary for substation construction.
  • Site studies and investigations will continue this year to further inform substation design and permitting. 
  • Permit applications will be submitted to the City of Wenatchee later this year. 
  • Substation construction is scheduled for 2028.

Anticipated Timeline

Substation Program Phase &
Anticipated Timeline

What's the PUD doing?

How are we engaging you?

1

 

PLAN

 

2020-2022

 


  • Identified the need for additional capacity
  • Identified potential alternative solutions

INFORM:
We kept the public informed.


2

 

ACQUIRE

 

2022-2025

 


  • Identified and scored potential sites
  • Acquired property and land rights
INVOLVE:
We gathered and considered feedback in decision making.


3

 

BUILD

 

2026-2030

 


  • Design of the substation and power lines 
  • Pursue appropriate permitting
  • Construct the substation and power lines
  • New infrastructure serving customers
INFORM:
We will keep the public informed during the construction process.




Past Year's Activities

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