Minnesota public power utility Austin Utilities announced the commissioning of the new Murphy Creek Substation, a major infrastructure investment that will enhance electric system reliability.
As the first substation built by Austin Utilities in 30 years, the project represents a significant investment in its infrastructure, it said on Oct. 26.
The nearly $5 million Murphy Creek Substation project was the first major initiative identified in Austin Utilities' 10-year capital improvement plan following a comprehensive engineering study of the electrical distribution system completed in 2021.
The study identified the need for a new distribution substation to improve system reliability, strengthen electric service in southwest and northern Austin, and accommodate future electric load growth.
Austin Utilities selected the Murphy Creek Substation, originally developed and constructed by the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, its wholesale energy provider, in 2013 as the location for the expansion.
Provisions for a future Austin Utilities distribution substation were incorporated into the original facility design, making it an ideal site for the project. Design work began in 2022, followed by construction starting in 2024.
The substation transformer was energized and placed into service in August 2026. Three new distribution feeders, which will enhance reliability in northwest Austin's business district and provide additional capacity for the Creekside Industrial Park, will be complete by the end of the year.
Residential and business customers will benefit from the enhanced reliability of the entire system, the public power utility noted.
The substation will provide an additional layer of support to handle emergency situations, provide ample capacity for future load growth along with improving voltage conditions that impact the system daily. Careful planning of the site will allow space for an additional feeder if the need arises.
Tom Dankert, General Manager stated, “One of the things the public doesn’t always see is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to complete a project like this. Our employees put a tremendous amount of effort into planning, designing, coordinating and ultimately bringing this substation online. I’m very proud of the entire team, and I especially want to recognize Kurt Regenscheid. Kurt’s dedication and leadership throughout this project have been exceptional. This substation is a reflection of the professionalism and commitment our employees bring to serving our customers and community every day.”
Alex Bumgardner, Utility Operations Director added, “This is a great benefit and attribute for Austin to have in its community. Not only are we improving our everyday power quality for our customers, but we are also enhancing our resilience when faced with adversity in our system whether it be storm damage or other challenges. All while providing capacity for future businesses looking to build in Austin.”
Austin Utilities recognized the Austin Utilities Board of Commissioners, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Dairyland Power Cooperative, DGR Engineering, and Harold K Scholz Co., for their leadership, partnership, and technical expertise throughout the planning and construction of the project.
"The completion of the Murphy Creek Substation marks another important step in Austin Utilities' commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while preparing for the energy needs of the future," it said.
Austin Utilities is a municipal utility serving approximately 12,300 electric customers, 10,300 natural gas customers, and 9,000 water customers.
