GCPUD Press Release

Moses Lake Benefits From Urban Growth Substation

January 19, 2007

EPHRATA - In response to increased development in Moses Lake, Grant PUD has completed its first substation dedicated to urban energy needs in nearly a decade. The $1.5 million project, initiated in April 2006, is now distributing power exclusively to residents and businesses in West Moses Lake. While other substations have been energized in recent years to meet agricultural and industry-specific electrical demands, the new Moses Lake substation is unique in its commitment to residential growth.

The primary purpose of this distribution substation is to transform power from the high voltage transmission system to the lower voltage needs of lines serving homes and businesses. The new substation will also provide an alternative electrical source for customers currently served by other substations in the City and surrounding area. In the event of an emergency, such as the recent windstorms, this new substation gives dispatch personnel additional capabilities for delivery of electricity to customers. For local citizens and businesses, this means less down time and a highly reliable power source. Moses Lake residents and businesses served by the new substation will be the first in Grant County to benefit from state-of-the-art technologies incorporated into the original facility to control and monitor electrical load and status of equipment. Several existing substations have been modified to include these same advanced controls.

Grant PUD, in its commitment to provide a reliable power source to all ratepayers, continues to monitor projected growth throughout the County and develop plans to meet future energy needs.

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

Media Contact:
Dorothy Harris
(509) 793-1516 or (509) 760-2541 / dharris@gcpud.org