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Puget Sound Energy substation and transmission line project
Boeing Aerospace substation and 115 kV transmission line
Spring 2013 project updates
- Construction of the substation began in September 2010 and was completed in May 2011
- We plan to begin construction on the transmission line in May 2013
Project overview
Puget Sound Energy is expanding the Boeing Aerospace substation at 20403 68th Ave. S in the Boeing Space Center property in Kent to increase reliability and meet growing demand for power in south King County. When complete, the expanded substation will include an additional 25 megavolt ampere transformer and four new circuit breakers.
In addition, PSE is constructing 1.5 miles of new 115 kilovolt transmission line from the Boeing Aerospace substation to the existing 115 kV line, which is located near Frager Road, north of South 196th Street, to increase the reliability of the electric system and allow for better use of existing capacity in the Kent area. Currently the Boeing Aerospace substation is served radially, which means it is served by one transmission line. If the line serving a substation goes out, the substation and the customers served by it lose power. The new transmission line will create a "loop," which means the substation will be fed by two transmission lines. If one line goes out, the other line will still feed power to the substation and 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.
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.
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.
Download information
Download these PDF files for more detail on PSE's Boeing Aerospace substation and transmission project.
Project map (697 KB PDF)