Puget Sound Energy substation and transmission project
Carpenter substation and transmission project
Fall 2009 project updates
- Puget Sound Energy is currently in the engineering and permitting phase
- Construction is expected to begin in spring 2010 and be complete in fall 2010
Project overview
PSE plans to build a new electric distribution substation at 6140 Britton Lane NE and overbuild a 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line along two miles of existing distribution lines on Draham Road Northeast and 15th Avenue Northeast in Lacey. We are planning our new Carpenter substation and associated transmission line to increase the overall reliability of the electric system as well as meet increasing demand in northeastern Thurston County, including Lacey, Olympia and their urban growth areas. When complete, our substation will include one 25 mega volt ampere (MVA) transformer and have the space to add a second 25 MVA transformer, allowing PSE to double the capacity in the future without changing the substation footprint.
What is a transmission line?
Transmission lines are key elements in the electrical distribution system. The lines safely transport high voltage electricity from power sources like dams and wind farms to substations in local communities. Transmission normally takes place at voltages of 55 kV and higher.
What is a substation?
Substations are critical links in the electricity distribution system, containing utility circuit protection, voltage regulation, and equipment that steps down higher voltage to lower voltage. Before reaching homes and businesses, power is routed through our transmission system to a substation where it is changed to a lower voltage that can be utilized by customers.
Committed to keeping you informed
PSE will continue to provide updates to the community. We will notify residents who live near the project area when construction will occur. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
Download the information
Download these PDF files for more detail on PSE’s Carpenter substation and transmission project.
Fact sheet, July 2009 (137 KB PDF)
Aerial map (355 KB PDF)
Project map (211 KB PDF)
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