Dawson PPD 2018 Planned Upgrades
Over $9 million in system improvements are scheduled for construction in 2018. As a not-for-profit utility, Dawson PPD budgets to reinvest in its system annually to ensure reliable and safe electricity.
“We take a proactive approach by constantly evaluating our electrical system and determining areas that need upgrades or new equipment to benefit customers,” said Jeremy Kaiser, Manager of Operations. “Some years, the work may be more concentrated in one area, but our long-term plan has improvements across our service territory.”
The budget was approved at the December board meeting. Project funding is derived from previous annual sales and long-term bonds. All projects are evaluated on safety, reliability and system loading.
Construction projects are divided into three categories:
- Aging distribution replacement
These power lines carry electricity to customer homes, farms and businesses. Aging distribution describes power lines that have been in place for more than 50 years, including original equipment from the early 1940s. These lines are in need of complete replacement to ensure safety and reliability. Between 20 to 30 miles are budgeted to be replaced each year. - Distribution upgrades
This includes projects scheduled as part of a multi-year plan. The plan divides large projects into smaller, more manageable parts. - Transmission line & substation upgrades
The third category represents Dawson PPD’s need to increase its capacity for power at substations and on distribution and transmission lines. Transmission lines carry power between substations. A substation is a point where electricity is sent into the distribution system so it can be delivered to customers.
January 2018