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Puget Sound Energy substation project
Ardmore substation
Spring 2013 project updates
- Construction of the underground distribution lines started in early August 2011 and was completed in April 2012
- Substation construction began in July 2011 and was completed in June 2012
- Final transmission line construction is expected to be completed in late 2013
- Once the transmission line work is complete, we will decommission the existing Interlaken substation
Project overview
PSE needs to build a new substation and reconfigure existing transmission lines to meet increased demand for electricity in the south Redmond/northeast Bellevue area. The Ardmore substation will increase system capacity to accommodate future growth and improve electric reliability for customers. Extensive residential and commercial growth in the south Redmond/northeast Bellevue area has resulted in the electrical load approaching the capacity of existing substations and transmission lines. PSE will design the substation so that we can expand electric capacity without expanding its footprint, which will help accommodate the long-term plans of the cities of Bellevue and Redmond to increase land use densities in the Bel-Red corridor and Overlake area.
After several public meetings, PSE has selected a site for the new substation, located at 15335 NE 24th St. in Redmond (the site's former address was 2245 Bel-Red Road). As part of this project we will decommission the existing Interlaken substation, located at 2120 152nd Ave. NE in Redmond, and shift the electric load of customers currently served by Interlaken substation to the new Ardmore substation.
What is a substation?
Substations are critical links in the electricity distribution system, containing utility circuit protection, voltage regulation, and equipment that steps down higher voltage to lower voltage. Before reaching homes and businesses, power is routed through our transmission system to a substation where it is changed to a lower voltage that can be utilized by customers.
What is a transmission line?
Transmission lines are key elements in the electrical distribution system. The lines safely transport high voltage electricity from power generation sources like dams and wind generating facilities to substations in local communities. Transmission normally takes place at voltages of 55 kV and higher.
Committed to keeping you informed
PSE will continue to provide updates to the community. We will notify residents and businesses near the project area when construction will occur. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
For information on electric and magnetic fields, please view PSE's EMF
statement. Download information
Download these PDF files for more detail on PSE's Ardmore substation and electric transmission line project.
Construction notice, June 2011