2024 Capital Projects Update (August of 2024)

A dozen capital power improvement and maintenance projects aimed at increasing reliability for our co-op members are underway. The 2024 capital improvement projects include upgrades to the Palmer and the Hiland Eagle River substations, line rebuilds in Goat Creek and Springer Loop and and underground cable replacements. Below is an update on each project.

Lucas Substation Upgrade

The Lucas Substation construction is underway as of June 2024. The substation contractor, EPC, has cleared and removed unusable material from the substation site. Currently, the contractor is working on installing conduits inside the substation, ground grid, and concrete foundation. The photos below show the transformer oil containment pads and breaker pads.

This project will enhance safety and reliability of Lucas Substation. Capacity of the substation will double to handle the growing load in the area. In addition, the upgrade will ensure the latest safety measures are installed at the substation, including enhanced grounding, drainage, and other upgrades that will ensure safe reliable power.

Upcoming work will include grading the site to subgrade elevations, installing pipe pile foundations, and a substation fence. The substation and Phase 1 of distribution work will go through summer of 2025. Phase 2 distribution will start and finish by the end of 2025.

Overhead to Underground Lines

Every year, as required by Municipality of Anchorage municipal code, MEA converts aging overhead lines in the Eagle River area into underground lines, funded by a 2% service charge from Eagle River members. About 12,000 linear feet of overhead primary distribution will be converted to underground primary distribution cable which will impact about 181 homes in the two neighborhoods. This transition enhances reliability and decreases the risk of overhead line damage, while also improving the viewshed.

Aged Cable Replacements

MEA selects areas with a history of old, faulty underground cables for replacement each year. This year, the primary focus will be on Parkview Terrace and Kiloana Court in Eagle River, with minor replacements planned for other areas.

Springer Loop Line Reconstruction

Upgrades are underway for a section of the power lines along south Inner Springer Loop to enhance capacity and reliability. The project involves replacing around a mile and a half of old, low-capacity distribution cable with a higher capacity conductor, installing new poles, and adding protective devices. This upgrade will significantly increase reliability for the Palmer wastewater treatment facility and its neighboring area. The project commenced in July and is set to conclude by the end of this summer.

Goat Creek Line Rebuild

This 3-mile reconstruction project will involve upgrading from single-phase to three-phase power to boost voltage and reliability. The project spans from the Knik River bridge west along the Old Glenn Hwy towards the Eklutna Hydro Plant, aiming to enhance reliability for the Dow substation during outages. The project has recently commenced and is scheduled for completion by the end of summer. Phase II of this project is scheduled for 2025 which will convert the last 2.7 mile section to three phase power.

Briggs Substation Improvements

Briggs Substation in Eagle River will undergo upgrades to enhance protection for substation and distribution assets. The project aims to improve reliability and safety of the electrical grid by replacing breakers and relays. The project will be completed in the fall.

Heated Line Truck Storage Facility

A heated storage facility at the Eagle River campus will house MEA line trucks to improve response times during winter outages. Strategically located, the facility ensures trucks are well-maintained for efficient service. This initiative reflects a commitment to community safety and service excellence as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements. The facility is currently being constructed.

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Matanuska River Transmission Line Structure Fix

A transmission structure originally located inland along the bank of the Matanuska River quickly became a part of the river channel after some severe bank erosion. The structure became compromised, and MEA crews placed a temporary structure inland and removed a portion of the compromised structure. A new permanent structure capable of withstanding the river will be installed this summer.

Fishhook to Pittman Power Improvement Project

Phase 1: MEA’s Right-of-Way team is working diligently with agencies on permitting and acquiring easements from private landowners of the transmission line between McRae and Meadow Lakes Substations for Phase I. Construction of the transmission line for Phase 1 is planned for 2025, with procurement of materials currently underway. Design of the new Meadow Lakes Substation is also in progress with construction to start in 2025. The future Meadow Lakes substation site is located off of a 40-acre parcel on the corner of Church Road and Shampine Avenue.

Phase II of the transmission line, from O’Neill Intersection to Fishhook Substation will be the main focus for the ROW team starting in 2025 with planned construction in 2027. The Fishhook Substation is planned for design in 2027 with construction planned for 2029. A 5-acre site was purchased off of E. Heavenly Circle near Wasilla Fishhook Road for the new substation to provide power to the growing Fishhook community.

Phase III of the transmission line from Meadow Lakes Substation to Fishhook Substation is planned for construction in 2028 with ROW efforts becoming the area of focus starting in 2026.

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