Substation Program Phases

Substation_program_planning to power_clr (002)

In partnership with the community, we created the Substation Program to systematically manage how the PUD plans, acquires land for, and builds new substations.

What Drives Our Process

Serving as a public utility, Chelan PUD provides dependable and resilient energy service to its residential and commercial customer-owners. 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.

80-20 graphic

How We Are Using Energy Today

smart home
      

Residential: Typically, one substation serves 1,500 homes. Today's homes use electricity differently - our homes can also be our offices and classrooms, electric vehicle charging is on the rise, and  appliances are equipped with smart features like Bluetooth and AI. This technology brings increased electrification, putting more pressure on infrastructure.

Commercial: The PUD balances economic opportunities, which are vital to our community, through the System Impact Fee.


Substation Program Phases

 

Plan


PLAN

The Plan phase is where the PUD identifies the need for new electrical infrastructure. We inform the public and provide frequent updates. 

Acquire


ACQUIRE

In the Acquire phase, we begin looking for property using an established evaluation criteria. We work with the community to develop alternatives and use feedback in the decision making process. 

Build Hat


BUILD

The Build phase is where project designs are finalized, and construction begins. We continue to engage with the community to incorporate feedback on aesthetic elements.


Typical Timeline*

What the PUD does in each phase







How the PUD partners with the community



In partnership, our promise to you

Years 0-2


  • Identify the need for new substations through forecasting, electrical load growth.
  • Using the 80/20 Model and community engagement to locate potential sites.



     Inform:
     We will inform the public
     through community meetings,
     mailers, emails, media,
     and website



We will provide you with balanced and frequent information.

Years 2-4


  • Identify and narrow potential sites using evaluation site criteria where additional electrical capacity is needed.
  • Acquire property, easements, and permitting and perform feasibility and due diligence.

     Involve:

     We will involve impacted
     stakeholders in the site
     selection process through
     a series of meetings
     and communications.

We will ensure stakeholder feedback is considered and reflected in decision making.

Years 4-5


  • Design the substation components.
  • Procure equipment and perform construction.
  • Energize and connect customers to the new substation



     Consult:

     We will consult impacted
     stakeholders during the
     design process through
     a series of meetings and
     communications.

We will listen to and acknowledge concerns.**


*A Substation Program project’s priority may shift once it begins the Planning or Acquire phase. The timing shown represents the average period of time within each phase, however, there may be idle periods between phases which can extend the overall length of time to advance fully from Planning to the Build phase.

**Chelan County PUD uses principles developed by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)