As a result of innovative solutions and close partnerships between the District and stakeholders in the Imperial Irrigation District’s Riverside County, California, service area, and by action taken by the IID Board of Directors on November 18, the utility will expand a major substation in the City of La Quinta, increasing electrical service to about 4,000 more customers there and in adjoining areas.
The $23.2 million project includes adding a fourth transformer bank at IID’s Avenue 58 Substation, which currently serves close to 6,000 customers.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with initial service connections expected to be ready by summer 2028.
“This is one of several infrastructure projects we have planned for our Coachella Valley service area that really demonstrates our commitment through our collective work to facilitate creative solutions to make projects like this possible,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader.
The solutions are reflected in the two agreements approved by the IID Board -- the Engineering and Procurement agreement (for certain long lead-time equipment to be paid by the City of La Quinta) and a Funding and Reservation Capacity agreement.
Twelve private developers will provide the complete funding for the expansion project, with the City of La Quinta and the County of Riverside participating financially in the event of any funding shortfall by a private developer.
The developers will have three years to pay their proportional share.
Since 2023, IID staff have been working closely with the City of La Quinta, the County of Riverside, and private developers to increase IID’s ability to deliver additional energy to the area through innovative solutions for infrastructure development.
