In the past, Valley Electric Association (VEA) relied on other utilities to provide a pathway and connection to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) for its transmission service needs, creating a significant risk and cost explore for power supply delivery for VEA’s 18,000 members.
To solve this problem, GridLiance built a new 3.2 mile 230 kV line (requiring 14 major line crossings), and a 230 kV switching station. There were many challenges: siting in the congested Eldorado Valley, environmental constraints, utility line crossing and coordination, and mutiple facets with significant civil site preparation.
The GridLiance Sloan Canyon Switching Station was energized on November 16, 2019. By physically connecting VEA to CAISO with the new Sloan Canyon substation, GridLiance has enabled VEA to no longer pay extra transmission charges and better serve VEA Members.
BACKKey Project Highlights:
- 3 position 230 kV ring bus substation
- 3.2-mile 230 kV transmission line
- 72 miles of optical ground wire installed
Project Benefits
Improves reliability and resilience
Improves access to renewable energy
Boosts local economy
Improves access to lower-cost energy