CA 230 kV T-Line Project

Background:

A prominent California (US) utility needed to construct a 230 kV, double circuit aerial line to interconnect a new 600 MW power plant to the state’s power grid.

The Problems:

The project needed to be in service within one year and required: permitting with the California Energy Commission; permitting of crossings of existing 500 kV, 345 kV, and 230 kV lines; the project also involved permitting of a rail crossing and a crossing of the Southern California Aqueduct System. In addition, half of the line length was to be installed over semi-mountainous terrain where access to the line was extremely difficult. The project schedule allowed 1 year for this complete process.

The Solution:

MSE was selected to permit, engineer, procure, and construct the line. MSE resolved the permitting issues and had detailed engineering completed in time to support the project schedule. MSE engineers developed custom designed structures to cross under 500 kV lines at mid-span, where the 500 kV line sag was unusually low. MSE utilized helicopters for conductor installation in difficult terrain. The line was delivered by MSE on schedule and within budget.