Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transmission Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
SUA approves $6.75M plan to replace aging 69kV transmission section to improve reliability
Summary
Trustees approved engineering services and funding to replace the 69 kV line from GRDA Stillwater substation to the Ferguson/Jardo section after pole testing showed deterioration; the two‑phase project will harden a critical loop serving five substations and is estimated at $6.75 million.
The Stillwater Utilities Authority on Sept. 8 approved plans to replace a deteriorated section of the city’s 69,000‑volt transmission loop — the portion supplying the GRDA Stillwater 69 substation to the Ferguson/Jardo section — after pole testing and aerial inspections showed poles installed approximately 60 years ago are fully depreciated and in poor condition. Staff said the replacement is the most urgent section in a loop that serves five substations and ties to three 138 kV sources.
Staff recommended and trustees approved an engineering contract with Associates LLC for design and engineering services; the full project estimate for the first phase is about $6.75 million, which includes materials and construction procurement to follow engineering. The contract for engineering services recorded in the minutes was approximately $704,442 and staff authorized budget contingencies from the electric fund.
Officials said pole‑testing resumed after a hiatus and that drone flights and field inspection revealed severely deteriorated wood poles and hardware in remote easements that are difficult to access. Trustees noted the project is proactive maintenance to reduce the risk of unplanned outages on an important transmission artery.
Trustees voted to approve the engineering contract and contingent funds 4‑0. Staff said subsequent steps will include issuing bids for construction materials and labor, securing easements where required and scheduling work to minimize service disruptions.
