Highgate Substation Project
About
Vermont Electric Power Company proposes to upgrade the Highgate Substation. The upgrade is needed because a recent conditions assessment revealed deficiencies within the substation. The transmission system upgrade will improve reliability of electric facilities serving portions of Vermont.
Needs & Benefits
VELCO purchased the 46 kV equipment in the Highgate Substation in 2003 from Citizens Utility. VELCO rebuilt the 115 kV equipment in 2005 as part of the Northern Loop Project. The recent conditions assessment of the Substation identified the need to preplace some of the quipment due to condition. The primary deficiency is the control building.
While the Project is constructed, VELCO will take advantage of the opportunity to perform regular condition-based maintenance and in-kind replacements at the Substation, not associated with the Project.
Components
The project consists of the following primary components:
- Replace the existing 24' x 61' VELCO control building with a new, approximately 32' x 80' control building that will accommodate a new protection and control system, station service, DC battery systems communication equipment, and security systems. The new control building will be loacted inside the existing Substation.
- Adjustments to existing driveway that consist of regrading, widening, and shortening the driveway to accommodate the new entry for the control building.
- Expand a 90' portion of fence on the fence's eastern side to accommodate the new control building. VELCO proposes to expand the fence approximately 5 feet to the east.
Impacts
VELCO's aesthetic consultant (T.J. Boyle Associates) reviewed the preliminary design plans and performed a preliminary visual analysis of the proposed Project upgrades. The findings indicate that the Project will not create any adverse aethetics impacts. A full analysis of potential aesthetic impacts will be included with the Petition filed with the Public Utility Commission. VELCO does not anticipate adverse aesthetic impacts from the Project.
Project Timeline
A public informational meeting is scheduled on August 18, 2022 at 5:00pm at 2731 Route 78 in Highgate, Vermont. VELCO representatives will meet with the Highgate Selectboard on August 18 at 6:00pm.
VELCO expects to file a petition for a Certificate of Public Good on September 6, 2022.
Subject to Public Utility Commission approval, VELCO anticipates construction to begin spring 2023 and commissioned by spring 2024.