Project overview

To increase reliability for our customers on south Whidbey Island, PSE completed construction on a new 25 megavolt amperes (MVA) substation in 2016 between SR 525, Craw Road and Ariel Way.

To complement the new substation, this project included other system improvements that were all completed by 2020:

Craw Road undergrounding

To avoid running overhead power lines across a state highway, PSE converted a short section of existing overhead distribution line to underground along Maxwelton Road, beginning at the Craw Road intersection, continuing underneath SR 525 and ending at Whidbey Island High School.

Langley 15/16 feeder extension

PSE upgraded the Langley 15/16 feeder extension, an existing single-phase low-voltage line, to a higher capacity. This upgrade provides additional capacity that allows the new substation to back up electric load normally served by Langley Substation, greatly improving electric service reliability in Langley.

Langley Tap pole replacement

To further strengthen our system, PSE replaced the aging wooden poles of the Langley Tap, an existing transmission line currently running from the Langley Substation to the new Maxwelton Substation.

Photo of the completed Maxwelton Substation