This summer, Texas public power utility New Braunfels Utilities reached major milestones on two electric system projects designed to strengthen reliability and support the growing energy needs of New Braunfels, Texas.
The new Hueco Springs Substation will help serve customers in the Veramendi area and western portions of NBU’s service territory. For customers, this $13.13 million project means a stronger electric system with additional capacity and flexibility to help maintain service during equipment issues, maintenance work and unexpected outages, the utility noted.
NBU also completed significant upgrades to the Henne Substation. This $4.89 million project converted the substation to a breaker-and-a-half configuration, a more advanced design that meets Lower Colorado River Authority standards and improves system reliability by giving operators greater flexibility to perform maintenance or isolate equipment issues while minimizing customer outages.
"These improvements allow power to be routed more efficiently throughout the system, helping reduce the number of customers affected when maintenance or repairs are needed. The project also prepares the area for future system improvements as New Braunfels continues to grow," NBU said.
"While most customers never see substations, they play a critical role in delivering reliable electricity. Projects like this help ensure NBU can continue to provide safe, dependable service today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow," it said.
Projects like Hueco Springs and Henne are funded through a combination of impact fees, utility rates, and the Service Availability Charge.
"As a community-owned, non-profit utility, NBU reinvests every dollar collected back into maintaining, improving and expanding the infrastructure that serves our customers. These investments help strengthen reliability today while preparing the electric system to meet the needs of a growing community for years to come," NBU noted.
