Location: Hermiston, OR
UEC’s existing Columbia Substation currently runs on a single substation transformer first installed in 1974, which is functioning nearly at its maximum capacity. Replacing antiquated infrastructure reduces the risk of equipment failure and member outages, which falls directly in line with UEC’s mission, to provide reliable power to our members. With this rebuild, our members can count on reliability and resiliency for many years to come.
Anticipated Construction Schedule
Start Date: March 2022
Completion Date: November 2022
Why Rebuild The Existing Substation?
UEC needs to invest in new infrastructure to meet the increased need of the rapidly growing region. The rebuild of the Columbia Substation will ensure continued, reliable electric service for nearly 1,000 members in the east Hermiston area. This project will enable future operational and maintenance flexibility for our crews.
The rebuild project will help integrate the Columbia Substation to UEC’s Hermiston East Substation. By tying the two substations together, we can ensure continued operational flexibility and improve reliability for nearly 1,000 members in the area.
UEC’s Commitment to Our Membership
Substations are critical links in the electric distribution system, containing utility circuit protection, voltage regulation, and equipment that steps down higher voltage to lower voltage. Before reaching homes, businesses or farms, power is routed through our transmission system to a substation, where it is changed to a lower voltage that can be managed, utilized and delivered to members.
Benefits and Value Carefully Considered
If the Columbia Substation is not rebuilt, we will continue to rely on aging and antiquated infrastructure
that is experiencing capacity constraints and nearing the end of its useful life – increasing the risk of
equipment failure and member power outages over time. Our mission is to provide reliable power to our members. UEC will continue to address the area’s growing energy needs to ensure we can continue to provide reliable power for years to come.
