San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) says that the new East County (ECO) Substation project has been energized and is now operating as an integral part of SDG&E's electric transmission system. The entire project includes a new 58-acre substation in the ECO community of Jacumba, an upgraded substation in Boulevard and a 14-mile transmission line connecting the two substations.
According to SDG&E, the ECO Substation project was designed to enhance electric reliability in the region and to help facilitate the delivery of renewable wind and solar energy to utility customers.
‘The ECO Substation project is a vital reliability addition to our local transmission system and will improve our service to our customers in the eastern part of our county,’ says David L. Geier, vice president of electric transmission and system engineering for SDG&E. ‘This project will also help in meeting California's aggressive renewable energy goals by facilitating the development of renewable energy in the region.’
Construction began on the approximately $435 million project in May 2013, and the 500 kV transmission substation in Jacumba was completed about one year later in June 2014. Construction recently wrapped up on the reconstruction and modernization of the existing Boulevard substation, which was built more than 60 years ago, notes the utility.
Both the reconstructed Boulevard substation and new 14-mile 138 kV transmission line connecting the two new substations were placed into service in the beginning of 2015. The ECO Substation project interconnects with the existing 500 kV Southwest Powerlink transmission line, strengthening this part of the transmission system.
