Nebraska-based Richard’s Electric of North Platte has been awarded a $2.3 million bid for the upgrade of two Dawson Public Power District substations.
The award was approved at Dawson PPD’s regular board meeting on August 5.
Cross Canyon Engineering designed the substations.
Once the 2024 irrigation season is complete, work will begin at Sub 26, located southwest of Gothenburg, and Sub 35, located northeast of Gothenburg. Construction is expected to start on October 1 and be complete by May 2, 2025.
The Sub 26 update will convert it from 34,500 volts to 69,000 volts. The change will increase the capacity, with up to three times more power on the existing lines between area substations.
This improves efficiency and decreases operational costs. The rebuild will also modernize the design and provide options for future substation automation, Dawson PPD said.
An increase in irrigation load has made upgrades at Sub 35 necessary. Over the last four years, there has been an almost 70% increase in power required at that substation.
The loads have come from conversions to electric irrigation equipment upgrades and the re-activation of previously unused services.
