Tafts Corner Upgrade
About
Vermont Electric Power Company proposes to upgrade the Tafts Corner Substation to resolve an operational deficiency that would occur during VELCO's routine maintenance and emergency situations. Specifically, the substation currently has an existing transformer that feeds eight local distribution circuits that are radially served. In the event of a transformer failure, VELCO would need to install either a mobile transfomer or a spare transformer, and restormation times are estimated to take approximately 24 hours. The proposed upgrade option would:
- reduce risks by elmiinating rework of 115 kV circuits;
- suppor tmore simplified maintenance; and,
- improve system reliability and load restoration times for emergencies and maintenance.
Components
The Project consists of the following primary components:
- Install a new 115 kV SF6 circuit breaker on existing breaker foundations, make connections to existing 115 kV ring bus, and use existing conduits for control cables.
- Install a new T3 115 kV voltage transformer with a single foundation and steel mounting stand with associated conduits and cables.
- Install protection relays and controls in existing relay/control panels for the 115/13.2 kV T3 transformer and 115 kV K23-40 breaker position, including all required wriring and installation of hardware, fiber optics, and materials.
Impacts
VELCO's aesthetic consultant (T.J. Boyle Associates) reviewed the design plans and performed a visual analysis of the proposed Project upgrades. The findings indicate that the Project will not create any adverse aesthetics impacts. A full analysis is included in the Petition filed with teh Public Utility Commission.
Project Timeline
VELCO filed a petition for a Certificate of Public Good on September 29, 2022.
Subject to Public Utility Commission approval, VELCO anticipates construction to begin in summer 2024 and commissioned by fall 2024.