Fulcrum Environmental Consulting

Transmission Line Extension, White Swan, Washington 

Working with our subconsultant Landau Associates, Fulcrum assisted Yakama Power, an independent corporation of the Yakama Nation, and the Benton Rural Electric Association (Benton REA) with completion of an Environmental Assessment of a proposed 10.25-mile new 115 kV transmission line, originally designed to operate at 34.5 kV. Population growth and increased electrical loads in the area were identified as having created a need for additional power capacity. The new transmission line will also provide a needed alternative method of supply to the existing 34.5 kV transmission system, which is currently a radial facility, resulting in increased emergency power or temporary power outage options.

The line’s purpose is to provide additional capacity to Benton REA’s 34.5 kV transmission system from the 115 kV to 34.5 kV source at the Benton REA White Swan Substation. The ultimate project objective is to convert the 34.5 kV system to 115 kV as area electrical loads in the project area increase and the conversion becomes cost effective.

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