Lyndonville completes substation project in record time

Lyndonville Electric Department and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) have recently completed a 115 kV substation project. As a result of the new substation, LED is not a sub-transmission customer of Central Vermont Public Service, for the first time in over 50 years. All four LED 34.5kv substations are now fed out of an individual breaker ring from one VELCO loop feed system. Having all substations interconnected and backing each other in case of power transformer and other equipment means a big increase in reliability.

"You have to have been in a radial feed system for 50-60 years to really appreciate the enhanced reliability that this substation will provide the Lyndonville area and its customers," said Ken Mason, LED general manager.

The project was projected to cost $15.5 million and came in well under budget. It took 16 months from the time of filing with the Vermont Public Service Board for the "Certificate of Public Good" permit on Sept 2, 2009 until Dec. 9, 2010 when the substation was energized. Lyndonville’s entire load was transferred by Dec.16. The project will allow for about 20 years of load growth in LED’s service territory before any increase in substation capacity and equipment might be needed.

"The completion of this project was accomplished through the effort of many individuals over the past three and one half years and I would like to personally thank them all," said Mason.

Mason is inviting interested parties to tour the facility. He can be reached by e-mail kmason@lyndonvilleelectric.com or phone (802) 626-3366.