Location: Near HWY 204, Weston Mountain, OR
The existing Weston Mountain Substation currently operates with the single oldest transformer on UEC’s system. At 53 years old (installed in 1969), this transformer has become outdated and is nearing the end of its useful life. Although still functioning well, UEC wants to be proactive and stay ahead of potential problems to reduce the risk of equipment failures and member outages, which falls directly in line with UEC’s mission of providing reliable power to our members. By rebuilding the Weston Mountain Substation, our members can count on reliability and resiliency for years to come.
Anticipated Construction Schedule
Start Date: May 2022
Completion Date: October 2022
Why Rebuild The Existing Substation?
UEC continues to invest in new infrastructure to ensure we have the needed equipment to provide reliable power to all of our members. The rebuild of the Weston Mountain Substation will aid in the continued dependable electric service for nearly 900 members in the Weston Mountain area. This project will allow for expanded remote operability from the substation to UEC headquarters, as well as
improve overall safety for UEC crews and members.
The rebuild project will utilize modern equipment that will increase operational flexibility and safety at the Weston Mountain Substation. The substation is currently equipped with aging infrastructure; and therefore, is more prone to failure and extended outage durations. The rebuild will also assist UEC in our wildfire mitigation efforts, as the new equipment is less susceptible to sparking and will help reduce the risk of fire ignition 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
Wildfire mitigation is the implementation of various measures designed to minimize the destructive effects a wildfire has on any given property. It is also the proactive approach to utilize technology
that reduced the chance of a wildfire igniting. UEC has taken many measures to limit the risk of wildfire as best we can, and rebuilding the Weston Mountain Substation is one of those measures.
Ensuring Service To Our Members During Construction
UEC currently owns three mobile substations that are utilized at various sites across our system. Prior to the start of construction in May, we will be transporting one of these mobile substations to Weston Mountain, where it will serve the load while the new substation is being built.
By rebuilding the Weston Mountain substation, UEC will be improving the reliability and resiliency
of the distribution system in our eastern district. Improvements like this ensure that UEC can provide reliable power long into the future.
