As consumers, we assume the electricity we need will be there when we push the brew button every morning. But as a distribution co-op, we know we must plan for infrastructure improvements to maintain the reliability Grand Valley Power members expect.
One such improvement project has been occurring over the last two months at our Highline substation just south of Interstate 70 next to our community solar farm.
In 2015, Grand Valley Power engineers determined through modeling that this substation transformer would become overloaded by 2026. Guided by GVP’s long-term plans — and knowing the difficulties to acquire such equipment — the cooperative ordered a new substation transformer in 2022 for delivery this year.
Here on the Western Slope, we operate on a continual basis of steady growth. Over the last five years, GVP has experienced nearly a 2% increase per year in the number of new meters connected to our distribution system. This growth increases demand for electricity and requires the acquisition and distribution of more power. Grand Valley Power proactively plans for growth by monitoring residential and commercial developments in our service territory. Our engineering department regularly analyzes system usage and capacity and develops plans that will ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our system for years to come.
Substations are a critical part of the electric cooperative distribution system. It is at these sites that we take delivery of electricity from a regional generation and transmission provider — currently Public Service Company of Colorado — and distribute it to the specific neighborhoods and farms that we serve.
As predicted in our 2015 models, the Highline substation reached 95% of its rated capacity last summer, during the months GVP sees a higher demand for electricity. At that point, GVP began engineering the Highline project and selected a contractor to help expand the substation’s capacity.
One of the most economical ways to expand capacity at a substation is to add a transformer. These giant boxes full of metal and wires enable the efficient transmission of electricity from power plants to consumers by reducing or “stepping down” the voltage from a powerful transmission level to a lower distribution level. Adding a transformer increases the amount of electricity a substation can deliver to consumers.
This new substation transformer is a component of GVP’s plans to improve and expand our power infrastructure. The larger capacity will increase energy reliability, enhance grid stability, and meet the growth in this area. The project will also allow GVP to construct a new power line to the Clifton community, reducing the load on the existing transformer.
Accommodating growth also requires a sound financial plan and strategic investments of member capital. At the end of 2023, Grand Valley Power had $114 million in utility plant assets. This $2.5 million project should be completed by the end of this month. The new transformer includes state of the art controls to monitor electrical loads and the transformer’s health. Made in the USA, the transformer was built by Waukesha headquartered in Wisconsin. It traveled to Grand Junction on the back of a trailer and was delivered at the end of March.
You likely haven’t noticed the work being done thanks to the mobile substation GVP linecrews set up outside the permanent one. Built on the back of a trailer, the mobile substation allows us to de-energize the Highline substation during installation of the new transformer. This keeps linecrews safe and eliminates service disruptions.
The Highline expansion project demonstrates Grand Valley Power’s commitment to provide our members with a reliable electric grid that serves the growth in our service area. With sound financial and operational planning, expansions strengthen our infrastructure and ensure the power you need will be there when you brew your coffee every morning.
Walter Fees is Grand Valley Power’s Manager of Engineering. In his free time, Walter enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
