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Oak Ridge utility unveils $28M plan to replace aging substations as load could nearly double
Summary
City electric staff and consultants presented a three‑phase long‑range plan that estimates about $28 million for major substation transformer replacements (plus ~$14 million for conductor/pole work) to address aging equipment and rising peak demand; a potential large industrial customer could add roughly 40 MW and requires early substation planning.
City electric department leaders and consultants told the Oak Ridge council that the city's system load could grow from roughly 100 MW today to more than 150 MW in 10 years based on known development, and that a single large industrial facility could add about 40 MW more.
"We have a system load of about 103 megawatt currently, and we're looking at growing to about 150–156," the electric director said, noting that the Arano/Aranu facility (as referenced in the presentation) could add another ~40 MW and push peak needs closer to 200 MW. Consultants advised the council to treat that large load separately because it requires dedicated transmission and substation infrastructure.
The consultant recommended a three‑phase program (2025–27; 2028–30; 2031–34) with approximately $28 million in major substation projects and another roughly $14 million in copper replacement and pole work. Key projects include Sub 300 (California Avenue), Sub 900 upgrades and constructing Sub 1000 to serve large industrial loads, plus SCADA and targeted distribution improvements such as additional switchgear in the Preserve development to improve sectionalizing and reliability.
Speakers warned of long lead times for major transformers (up to 2–3 years) and urged early design and procurement. They also discussed safety and cost tradeoffs in reconductoring: much of the system's copper is decades old and OSHA restrictions increase outage needs for energized work; replacing number‑6 copper with aluminum conductors can reduce cost and safety risk while allowing sale of removed copper to offset costs.
Councilors asked about vegetation management and AMI. Electric staff said the right‑of‑way trimming contract is being rebid (current two‑year contract noted at about $5.4 million) and that an AMI pilot is planned for August with a full rollout in roughly two to three years.
